Normally the masters of disguise, two new Tawny Frogmouth chicks are turning heads at Healesville Sanctuary with their muppet-like appearance.
The floof balls are the fourth clutch for dad Kermit and mum Tiny, who are keeping a watchful side eye over the pair in a behind-the-scenes habitat called Grandma’s Garden.
The chicks hatched three days apart in September, and Healesville Sanctuary Tawny Frogmouth Keeper Louise Tegg said Tiny and Kermit are already attentive parents.
“Kermit does the bulk of the work during the day. He will sit on the nest, feeding those chicks regularly and then mum will swap in to take care of the chicks in the afternoon,” she said.
“Then they do regular changeovers at night.”
Despite their supreme parenting skills, keepers have needed to lend an extra hand.
“Tawny Frogmouths are not the most amazing nest builders. They tend to just throw a few sticks together in a crosshatch and hope for the best,” Ms Tegg said.
“So, we’ve reinforced the nest to keep the chicks nice and safe.”
The youngsters are rapidly gaining weight with their parents providing plenty of insects to eat, including mealworms, cockroaches and even a Huntsman spider. While mum and dad have been spotted eating the cracked eggshells to boost their own calcium.
Regular weight checks allow keepers to ensure the chicks are growing properly, that their feathers are coming in and they are healthy during their early development. Zoos Victoria members have the chance to name the delightful duo with a shortlist inspired by frogs and Woi wurrung language.
The names include Banjo (Banjo Frog), Pobblebonk (frog), Spencer (Litoria Spenceri – Spotted Tree Frog), Watson (Watson’s tree frog), Peron (Peron’s Tree Frog) and Djinith (Woi wurrung name djinith-djinith for Tawny frogmouth).
Sanctuary visitors can only see this new family in the Tawny Frogmouth experience. The chicks grow up fast, so you had better be quick to book a close-up encounter. For more information, head to zoo.org.au/healesville/whats-on/animalexperiences/.
Tawny Frogmouths are a carnivorous, nocturnal bird. Due to their appearance, they often are mistaken for owls, however, they belong to the nightjar family. Breeding pairs generally mate for life and can stay in the same area for 10 years, so it’s common to see a couple in your local neighbourhood for many years. According to The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Tawny Frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) are classified as least concern with a stable population. They live in forest, shrubland and grassland across Australia.
