The tawny frogmouth, renowned for its remarkable camouflage, has been named Australia’s Bird of the Year for 2025, following three previous near wins.
The competition, which opened on Oct. 6, attracted over 310,000 votes. In the final round, the tawny frogmouth received 11,851 votes. Baudin’s black cockatoo ranked second with 7,688 votes, followed by the gang-gang cockatoo with 6,256. The Willie wagtail placed fourth with 4,947 votes, the bush stone-curlew fifth with 4,370, and the laughing kookaburra narrowly secured sixth with 4,361 – a margin of just nine votes.
The species’ distinctive appearance contributed to its popularity. Its large yellow eyes and downturned beak give it a perpetually startled expression, while its coloring lends it an incredible ability to blend into its environment. In daylight, when the frogmouth perches upright and narrows its eyes, it appears as part of the surrounding tree. Its silver-gray, streaked plumage closely resembles bark, allowing it to remain virtually undetected.
Nocturnally active, the frogmouth is often mistaken for an owl but is more closely related to nightjars. Its fringed wings facilitate nearly silent flight as it hunts insects and occasionally small lizards or mice. Pairs maintain territories and typically remain bonded for life, communicating with a low, steady call.
Distributed widely across mainland Australia, the species inhabits forests, woodlands, scrub, heathlands, and savannahs, though it is uncommon in dense rainforests and treeless deserts. While classified as “least concern,” the species faces growing threats, including predators, insecticides, rodenticides, and vehicle collisions.
Next time you stand under a tree, take a second look at its branches – you might be staring into the eyes of Australia’s 2025 Bird of the Year.