Philippine frogmouth

The Philippine frogmouth is a captivating nocturnal bird that inhabits the lowland forests and maturing secondary growth areas of the Philippine archipelago. This medium-sized avian species has a unique diet consisting of grasshoppers, cicadas, crickets, and beetles. A notable feature of the Philippine frogmouth is its striking appearance, characterized by two color morphs adorned with distinct light bands across its body. It additionally boasts large eyes optimized for excellent night vision, a flat bill ideal for catching insects, and cryptic plumage that allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

Endemic to the Philippines, the Philippine frogmouth is not found on the island of Palawan, although there have been rare sightings in distant locations such as India and Australia. Due to their nocturnal behavior, the habitat preferences of these birds are not well documented. For nesting, they exhibit remarkable creativity, utilizing their downy feathers, spider silk, moss, and lichens to construct their nests. Both males and females share the responsibility of incubating the single egg laid each season.

The Philippine frogmouth employs a feeding strategy that involves striking from low branches to capture large insects. Males communicate with low sounds or trills, while females produce louder, descending mewls.

Despite being classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, the population of the Philippine frogmouth is believed to be slowly declining, primarily due to habitat destruction. Nevertheless, its extensive range and considerable population size currently prevent it from reaching the vulnerable threshold.