Papuan frogmouth
The Papuan frogmouth ("Podargus papuensis") is a species of bird in the family Podargidae. Taxonomy. The species was originally described by zoologist Jean René Constant Quoy and naturalist Joseph Paul Gaimard in 1830. The three subspecies are "P. p. papuensis", "P. p. baileyi", and "P. p. rogersi". Description. The Papuan frogmouth is the largest of frogmouths in terms of length. Average sizes indicate that it only falls behind the Neotropical great potoo and oilbird (if the latter is a true member of the order) among the largest species in the order Caprimulgiformes. On average these birds are about  , with a range of . This species was found to average in males and in females, with a total range of . The tawny frogmouth is smaller on average than this but is capable of reaching higher maximum weights. The Papuan frogmouth has a bulbous bill, red eye, cream eyebrow, long tail and dark wings. The male of the species is slightly larger, darker and marbled in appearance. The female is more rufous in appearance. "P. p. baileyi" is smaller, and darker. "P. p. rogersi" is larger and paler. Similar species include the tawny frogmouth. The Papuan frogmouth is larger, has red  eyes, a longer tail, and darker wings. Distribution and habitat. It is found in the Aru Islands, New Guinea, and Cape York Peninsula. This species' natural habitat is subtropical or tropical, moist, lowland forests. Behaviour. Call. The call is a resonant 'ooom' or a laughing hoot. It is usually heard after dusk and before dawn. Breeding. Breeding takes place from August to January. One or two white eggs are placed in a nest consisting of a few sticks placed in the fork of a branch. Feeding. The Papuan frogmouth is strictly nocturnal. It hunts for large insects on the ground  from dusk. On occasion, it also takes small reptiles, amphibians, or birds as prey. The Papuan frogmouth may secrete a substance in its mouth that attracts flies. According to a number of observers, it is able to wait with its mouth open and flies enter to investigate the odor.