The Sri Lanka Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger) belongs to the family of frogmouths, Podargidae. These frogmouth species are distributed in the Western Ghats of south India and Sri Lanka. In India, they occur in high rainfall areas of Kerala and Goa states. These species are nocturnal and are related to nightjars. These frogmouth birds are monotypic species.
Taxonomy of Sri Lanka frogmouth
- Scientific Name: Batrachostomus moniliger
- Common Name: Sri Lanka frogmouth
- French: Podarge de Ceylan; German: Ceylonfroschmaul; Spanish: Podargo de Ceilán;
- Other names: Ceylon frogmouth;
- Family: Podargidae › Podargiformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
- Species author: Blyth, 1849
Description
The Sri Lanka Frogmouth is a small nocturnal bird, measuring about 22 cm in length. These birds show sexual dimorphism, the males being pale gray brown in color whereas the females are chestnut brown. The male birds have thin barring and spotted crown. Short and stiff bristles are seen surrounding the eyes. The bill is wide and slight hooked. The nostrils are slit-like and the eyes face forward. The plumage coloration and patterns make them to blend with surroundings and it is very difficult to spot them. Their call is a loud, screechy "shkeerauuw" and rapid "skwar-skwar-skwar" sound. |
| Indian birds - Sri Lanka Frogmouth - Batrachostomus moniliger |
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| Birds of India - Sri Lanka Frogmouth - Batrachostomus moniliger |
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| Indian birds - Batrachostomus moniliger |
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| Birds of India - Batrachostomus moniliger |
Habitat
These frogmouth species roost in trees in dense tropical forests, evergreen forests and bamboo thickets. They are sometimes seen in plantations.Diet and feeding habits
These birds are nocturnal and feed on insects, beetles and moths.Breeding
The breeding season of these frogmouth species is between January and April in India and February to March in Sri Lanka. The nest is made with moss, down feathers, lichens and bark. A single egg is laid and both the parents take turns to incubate.Distribution
These birds occur in Western Ghats mountain range region of India, extending from Goa state in the north to Trivandrum district (Kerala state) in the south. In Sri Lanka, except for the dry northern regions, these birds are common.Movement and migration patterns
These frogmouth species are non-migratory and are resident birds. They may make local movements for feeding and breeding.Conservation status and concerns
The global population of the Sri Lanka Frogmouth has not been quantified. The overall population trend is considered to be stable. It is uncommon in India, but is very common in Sri Lanka. Considering its common presence and lack of any substantial threats, it is inferred to be least "Vulnerable" to extinction.The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated these frogmouth species and has listed them as of "Least Concern".
| Biological classification of Batrachostomus moniliger | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Podargiformes |
| Family: | Podargidae |
| Subfamily: | - |
| Genus: | Batrachostomus |
| Species: | B. moniliger |
| Binomial name: | Batrachostomus moniliger |
| Distribution: | south India and Sri Lanka; |
| Diet and feeding habits: | insects, beetles, grasshoppers, moths; |
| IUCN status listing: |  Least Concern |
Image author: Arshad.ka5 | License: CC BY-SA 4.0
2.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceylon_Frogmouth_by_N.A._Naseer.jpg
Image author: N A Nazeer | License: CC BY-SA 2.5 IN
3.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sri_Lankan_Frogmouth.JPG
Image author: Shajisugunan | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
4.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dhruvaraj/6575812277/
Image author: Dhruvaraj S | License: CC BY 2.0 (as on 2016-11-03)
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