Endemic to Java, where it is the only frogmouth. Fairly typical-looking small frogmouth, with brown plumage broken up by white patches and pale barring on the tail. Readily separated from nightjars by its upright pose and forward-facing eyes, and from owls by its bristly “whiskered” face, lack of a facial disc, large broad-based bill, and long tail. Inhabits a wide range of wooded habitats from lowlands up into montane foothills, from dense rainforests to the edges of large plantations with suitable tall growth. Nocturnal, and can be difficult to spot on day roost. Gives a variety of calls, including a series of descending whistles, a high-pitched growl followed by a strangled whistle, and short, grating screams.