Hodgson’s Frogmouth Bird Details
Batrachostomus hodgsoni
Hodgson’s Frogmouth,Himalayan Frogmouth, Indian Frogmouth;
Khokh
Gray, 1859
Podargiformes
Podargidae
Batrachostomus
- India: It is primarily found in the northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and parts of Assam.
- Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
Appearance :
Hodgson's Frogmouth has a robust body and a flattened head. Its plumage is generally brown with various shades of buff and rufous, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. They have broad, flattened bills suited for their diet.
Behaviour :
Hodgson's Frogmouths are solitary or found in pairs. They are primarily nocturnal and are known for their cryptic behavior. During the day, they often sit still, blending in with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot. Their vocalizations include soft calls, especially during the breeding season.
Habitat :
These birds inhabit subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and montane forests. They prefer dense canopy cover, usually at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters.
Diet :
Hodgson's Frogmouths primarily feed on insects and other invertebrates. They are adept at catching prey in flight, using their wide bills to capture insects.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Hodgson's Frogmouth is found in parts of the Himalayas, including countries like: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma)
Population Size :
The exact population size of Hodgson's Frogmouth is not well-documented.
Life Span :
The lifespan of Hodgson's Frogmouth in the wild is not well-known.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Hodgson's Frogmouth has a robust, plump body with a broad head. The coloration is generally mottled brown with rufous and buff, aiding in camouflage.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 25–30 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is broad and flattened, contributing to its unique appearance.
- Eyes: Large and round, usually dark brown. They are adapted for night vision.
- Bill: The bill is wide and flattened, which is typical for birds that catch insects.
- Bill Length: Approximately 30–35 mm.
Length :
The total body length is around 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 inches).
Neck :
Short and stout, connecting the head and body seamlessly.
Size :
Medium-sized for a frogmouth species.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and square-ended, aiding in stability during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 12–15 cm.
- Feathers: The feathers are soft and rounded, with a cryptic pattern that mimics tree bark, enhancing camouflage.
Weight :
Weighs about 90–120 grams (3.2–4.2 ounces).
Wing :
Broad and rounded wings that help with maneuverability during flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 60–70 cm.
Facial Feature :
Hodgson’s Frogmouth has a broad, flat face with a wide mouth. Its facial feathers create a distinctive look, enhancing its camouflage.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Hodgson's Frogmouth typically builds a simple, cup-shaped nest. They often choose sheltered locations within tree forks or dense foliage for protection.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is usually constructed from twigs, leaves, and moss, providing a camouflage that blends with the surrounding environment.
Breeding Season :
Generally occurs from March to June.
Nesting Season :
They build nests during the breeding season.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally a pale or creamy white with some speckles, which helps them blend in with the nest.
Egg Length :
Approximately 28–32 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 22–25 mm.
- Egg Weight: The weight of the eggs is typically about 7–10 grams each.
Clutch Size :
Typically, the clutch consists of 1 to 3 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Hodgson’s Frogmouth usually raises 1 brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation lasts about 24 to 28 days.
Nestling Period :
The young birds fledge approximately 18 to 24 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
The calls of Hodgson’s Frogmouth are soft, low-pitched, and can sound like a "whisper" or a "coo." They are more vocal during the breeding season.
Sex Demorphism :
There is little to no noticeable sexual dimorphism in Hodgson's Frogmouth.
Migration Details :
Hodgson’s Frogmouth is generally considered a resident bird and does not migrate long distances. However, it may engage in some local movements in search of food or suitable nesting sites.