The Philippine frogmouth is a nocturnal bird that can be found throughout the Philippine archipelago. It is common in lowland forests and maturing second growth. There is little information about the bird. It feeds on grasshoppers, cicadas, crickets and beetles.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Found across many larger Philippine islands (excluding Palawan), inhabiting lowland to foothill forests and well-developed secondary growth. It favors dense understory, forest edges, and lightly disturbed areas with ample perches. The species tolerates maturing second growth and selectively logged forest, provided there is structural cover. Daytime roosts are typically low to mid-level branches where it relies on cryptic plumage for concealment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Philippine frogmouth is a strictly nocturnal, perch-hunting bird endemic to the Philippine archipelago. It relies on camouflage, sitting motionless by day and resembling a broken branch. Females are typically richer rufous while males are greyer-brown, a common dimorphism in frogmouths. Habitat loss in lowland forests is a potential concern, though the species remains fairly widespread where suitable cover persists.
Illustration of Batrachostomus septimus (Philippine Frogmouth) by Joseph Smit
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; silent, low-level flights
Social Behavior
Usually roosts singly or in pairs, relying on stillness for concealment. Breeding pairs construct a small, flimsy platform nest on a horizontal branch and typically lay a single egg. Both sexes participate in incubation, with the male often incubating by day and the female more active at night.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of low hoots or hollow ‘oo’ notes, often delivered at night from a concealed perch. Also gives gruff clucks, grunts, and audible bill snaps when alarmed or near the nest.
