Tawny Frogmouth

by Gisela Kaplan

The tawny frogmouth is one of Australia’s most intriguing and endearing birds. Written by award-winning author Gisela Kaplan, one of Australia’s leading authorities on animal behaviour and native birds, this second edition of Tawny Frogmouth presents an easy-to-read account of these unique nocturnal birds, which can be found across almost the entire continent. Fully revised and updated throughout, this book combines 20 years of systematic observation with published research and information from regional surveys, and represents the most comprehensive single study ever conducted on tawny frogmouths.

We learn that tawny frogmouths are very affectionate, have close bonds with lifelong partners, scream like prowling tomcats when distressed, fight with lightning speed and defend nest sites from reptilian predators by mobbing and spraying pungent faeces at them. Uncompromising male fights are contrasted with the touching gentleness of males as fathers. We also learn how resilient and unusual tawny frogmouths are in the way they cope with heat and cold and scarcity of water, sit out danger, and use a large variety of food items.

This fascinating book has a wide appeal to bird lovers, amateur ornithologists and naturalists, as well as those with a scientific or professional interest in native birds, their communication, emotions and skills.

Genres: Birds, Australia, Nonfiction

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2007

Reviews

[Dr Susan Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gisela Kaplan gives us both a scientific and personal look at the birds she studies. Fascination in text and photographs, I learnt so much about this group of Australian birds. I've only seen one or two locally but they are surely here in our suburb, although as trees disappear, maybe not so common as they used to be. Definitely a favourite bird and a read!

[Sasha Avice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. I have had the privilege of rehabilitating two tawny frogmouths at home, and this was an invaluable resource. Kaplan's writing is so engaging: you can feel her warmth and genuine love for the frogmouth... "an evolutionary masterpiece"!

[Frances Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant work. Very informative and easy to read. One for my shelves as a permanent reference