Tawny Frogmouth Nesting: A Complete Guide

Tawny Frog-billed Frog (black pine) is a widespread Australian bird belonging to the Podargidae family. These nocturnal birds are the best known of the three species of frogbills in Australia, and they breed throughout most of the continent.

So when and where do tawny frogmouthed frogs nest? Can you build a nest in your garden?

The tawny frog-billed frog usually nests in the branches of large trees. They prefer native Australian species with rough bark, allowing these masters of camouflage to blend in seamlessly. Frogbills may be devoted parents, but their nest building often leaves a lot to be desired. The nest itself is a fairly basic platform that is jointly built by both male and female birds.

Tawny Frogmouths nest in spring and summer, although the nesting process may begin towards the end of winter. The tawny frog-billed frog eggs hatch about a month after both parents hatch, and the chicks are ready to leave the nest after another month or so.

Read on as we unpack the nesting habits of one of Australia’s most popular birds, the superb tawny frogbill.

Tawny Frogmouth sitting in the nest

Where do Tawny Frogmouths nest?

The tawny frog-billed frog breeds almost throughout Australia. They breed in most habitats except tropical forests and treeless deserts.

These birds have adapted well to the suburbs and, with luck and a keen eye, may even spot them in well-established gardens and parks.

Tawny Frogmouths usually nest in large trees 3 to 10 meters above the ground. They usually build their nests on forks, although they have also been known to build them on top of the old nests of magpies and currawongs, provided the Frogmouths agree with the nest location.

Locust tree (eucalyptus) was found to be an important nesting tree in studies of breeding frogbill fish in eastern Australia. They prefer this species and others with rough textured bark for better camouflage.

Close up of the mouth of a tawny frog nesting in a tree

What does Tawny Frogmouth’s nest look like?

Tawny Frogmouths aren’t the best nest builders in the Australian bush. In fact, their choice of nest site can be questionable, with eggs and chicks frequently dropped from the nest.

Tawny Frogmouths build a simple platform den, up to about 30cm in diameter. The structure is loosely structured, forming shallow depressions. The interior is lined with softer materials such as grass and leaves.

Read on to learn more fascinating secrets of tawny frogmouth nesting.

Close up of tawny frogbill nest

What time of year do Tawny Frogmouths nest?

The Tawny Frogmouth’s breeding season is between August and January, although most spawning occurs in the spring between September and October.

How long do Tawny Frogmouths nest?

It takes two to three months for each brood of tawny frog-billed frogs to build a nest. The duration varies depending on how long it takes to build the nest, but there can also be a difference of a few days between the hatching and chick periods.

Tawny frogmouth perched high on a branch

How do Tawny Frogmouths build their nests?

Tawny Frogmouths choose a suitable nesting site and then introduce suitable nesting materials. These birds do not have the powerful claws of owls and raptors, so must use their beaks to carry twigs and other materials.

Tawny Frogmouths make little effort to protect the branches and branches that make up their nests. They simply place the materials in place and walk over them to create a shallow bowl. Leaves and grass can be placed over the nest to create a softer environment for the eggs and chicks.

How long does it take for a Tawny Frogmouth to build a nest?

The nests of tawny frogmouth fish take surprisingly long to build. At best, it may take a night or two to build the nest, but it can take weeks or even up to a month before it can be used.

The actual time it takes depends on whether they’re building an entirely new nest, restoring an old structure, or using another bird’s abandoned nest.

tawny frogmouth nesting

When does the little tawny frogmouth leave the nest?

About a month (25-35 days) after hatching, small tawny frogmouths leave the nest.

All chicks usually fly out of the nest on the same day, which tends to damage the weakest individuals. However, tawny frog-billed frog parents will continue to feed them for one to two weeks after they leave the nest.

How many litters do Tawny Frogmouths have?

Tawny Frogmouths typically produce one litter each season, although they occasionally produce a second litter. In the unfortunate event of nest failure, they will also start a new nest. Clutches lay one to three eggs (rarely as many as five).

An adult male Tawny Frogmouth bird perfectly hidden in its nest on a tree fork

Do Tawny Frogmouths nest in the same place every year?

Tawny Frogmouths are territorial and monogamous birds that mate for life. They will live in the same territory for several years, and they may use the same nest repeatedly. However, their fragile nests usually need to be rebuilt every year.

What do Tawny Frogmouth eggs look like?

The tawny frogbill eggs are pure white. This contrasts with the highly cryptic coloring of the adults, but since the eggs are always tended by the brooding parent, they are invisible to predators. Each egg is 37-51mm long and 25-34mm wide.

What does the little tawny frogmouth look like?

When they hatch, baby tawny frogmouths are between late and early maturing. They are not born naked like late-living species, and their eyes open shortly after hatching. However, the chicks are tethered to their nests and depend on their parents for food.

The small tawny frogmouths are covered in pure white fluffy down when they hatch. After about a week, their plumage turns gray with patterns that improve their camouflage in the nest.

Tawny frog-billed frog pups grow relatively slowly, weighing about half their parents’ weight when they leave the nest.

Pair of tawny frogbill pups (chicks)

What month do Tawny Frogmouths spawn?

Tawny Frogmouths typically spawn in the spring, September-October. The timing of mating and spawning is thought to be determined by changes in day length or other environmental cues.

Do Tawny Frogmouths use nest boxes?

Tawny Frogmouths do not nest in cavities and therefore will not nest in nest boxes.

Tawny frogbilled chicks between breeding pairs

Where do Tawny Frogmouths go during the day?

The tawny frog-billed frog rests on large tree branches all day long. They prefer to inhabit trees with rough bark, where their incredible camouflage is most effective. While nesting, the male sits on the eggs all day. He incubates the eggs to maintain a steady temperature and keep them away from predators.

Do Tawny Frogmouths Nest in Gardens?

Tawny Frogmouths often nest in suburban areas with appropriate trees and habitat. They usually prefer to nest in large native eucalyptus trees with rough bark. Planting such trees is recommended to create future nesting grounds for this species.

Tawny frogbill chicks and an adult chicken in a nest

Will Tawny Frogmouths abandon their dens?

Tawny Frogmouths don’t give up their dens easily. These territorial birds will chase away any other frogbills that enter their space, but they also have some effective ways of keeping predators out of their nests.

Tawny Frogmouths will gather and peck potential predators to drive them out of their nests, but if unsuccessful, they can even spray their feces on unwelcome visitors. For their benefit and yours, it is ill-advised to disturb nesting frogmouths!

Do Tawny Frogmouths mate for life?

Tawny Frogmouths form a very strong pairing. A pair will mate for life and spend most of their time within a shared territory. They usually perch within a few meters of each other, or even huddle side by side on the same branch.