Papuan Frogmouth
Sounds & Calls

Papuan Frogmouth (Podargus papuensis) on nest.

The Papuan Frogmouth (Podargus papuensis) is the largest species of frogmouth and is found in Far North Queensland as well as New Guinea & the Aru Islands. They can be found in a variety of habitats including rainforests, dry woodland, mangroves, parks and gardens. Papuan Frogmouths have a relatively long tail and a massive bulbous bill which helps distinguish them from the other two frogmouth species with which they share their range – Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) & Marbled Frogmouth (Podargus ocellatus).

The most commonly heard sound made by the Papuan Frogmouth is a series of deep repetitive oom-oom-oom notes. This call is generally slower in tempo and lower-pitched than the similar call of Tawny Frogmouth. They also make fast vibrating drumming sounds as well as loud bill claps.

Listen to Papuan Frogmouth Calls

The audio in the video below features a variety of typical Papuan Frogmouth calls. Recorded on Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia.

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Papuan Frogmouth – Bill claps

XC438958 Not sure about the initial loud growl here (it may be the frogmouth or it might be a feral pig which were common in the area!). However, the bill snaps following this sound are Papuan Frogmouth which are then followed by a typical drumming call. Perhaps the frogmouth gave the bill snaps in alarm in response to the loud noise. Recorded in Oyala Thumotang National Park, Queensland, Australia.