The Sunda frogmouth is a medium-sized, old world species of bird within the order Podargiformes. It is also uncommonly referred to as the long-tailed frogmouth or the horned frogmouth. The term "Sunda" is based on the geographical range of the species to regions around the Sunda islands. The genus name, Batrachostomus, is a Greek translation to 'frogmouth', which comes from the wide shape of the bill and slight gape. The species name cornutus is a Latin word translated to "having horns", referring to the tufts of feathers on the head.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found in lowland and hill forests of the Greater Sunda region, including Sumatra and Borneo, and adjoining Sundaland areas. It occupies primary and mature secondary dipterocarp forest, peat-swamp forest, and forest edges, sometimes along overgrown tracks and old plantations. The species prefers dense understory or shaded midstory perches for roosting by day and sallying at night. It is generally absent from heavily urbanized zones but can persist in selectively logged forest with sufficient canopy cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sunda frogmouth is a nocturnal, highly camouflaged bird whose wide, frog-like gape helps it snatch moths and beetles in the dark. It is sometimes called the horned frogmouth for its small erectile feather tufts that suggest 'horns.' By day it roosts motionless along branches, mimicking a broken limb. It typically lays a single egg on a flimsy, disk-like nest of down and plant fibers placed on an open branch.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Sabah, Borneo - Malaysia
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, silent sallies
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs. Pairs maintain territories and roost on horizontal branches, relying on camouflage. The nest is a small, shallow pad set on an open limb, typically holding a single egg; both sexes share incubation and brooding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are low, resonant hoots and soft, frog-like croaks delivered at night, often in short series. Males may give a repetitive, mellow oo-oo-oo that carries through forest understory.
