Adult male © Swapnil Thatte eBird S37862435 Macaulay Library ML 62177741
Adult female © Mohith Shenoy
Male and chick © Ramit Singal
Male and female © Charles Thomas
© Abhishek Das

Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

This odd cryptic-looking bird is the only one of its family in its range. Rather like a cross between an owl and a nightjar, but note wide mouth and proportionally smaller eyes. Intricately mottled and dappled in shades of gray and brown; males are predominantly gray-brown, while females are rufous-toned. A secretive inhabitant of forests with dense understories, often roosting deep in tangles by day. Vocalizations include a horrible scratchy scream and various cooing notes, often given in series.

POWERED BY MERLIN