Tawny Frogmouth as Totem - 02

Another one of my personal guides. You can read more about tawny frogmouth here: [link]

Tawny Frogmouth as Totem

The tawny frogmouth is a nocturnal bird with mottled grey or brown plumage that is excellent for camouflage on grey and brown trees. This is highlighted by the frogmouth's ability to extend its body to resemble a broken off tree branch. It closes its eyes to hide its startling red or orange eyes, but has even evolved two nicks in its eyelids to help it see while camouflaged. During the night they will attack potential predators by diving at them and clacking their beak together loudly.

Frogmouths have wide gapes, hence the name 'frogmouth.' They eat arthropods, small vertebrates and snails. Frogmouths nest between tree forks, and though the male incubates by day, both sexes will share incubation at night. They have broad wings and primary feathers fringed to help them fly silently. They are sadly quite slow to take off and are often harmed and killed in car collisions. They can make a very bass-like 'oom' noise, and will hiss if disturbed.

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18.5 x 20.5cm (or 7.4 x 8 in)
illo's board, fineliner, aquarelle, pencil, metallic and iridescent paint