The Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) is a small Australian bird. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game.
Description[]
The Tawny Frogmouth is a stocky, big-headed bird that can reach lengths of up to 53cm (21in) and weigh up to 680g (1.50lb), although most individuals are typically smaller. Although it resembles an owl, it is more closely related to nightjars. The frogmouth's most notable feature is its mottled plumage, which closely resembles tree bark. During the day, frogmouths will usually perch on trees in a manner so that they deliberately resemble a branch. This camouflage is enhanced by the frogmouth holding its head slightly upright, which hides it from potential predators.
Native to Australia, the tawny frogmouth has a widespread distribution and occurs across many habitats, including rural areas. It is a nocturnal bird and preys on a variety of animals, with a preference for invertebrates. A common hunting tactic is to wait in a tree until prey passes by, then grabbing it with its large beak. Even during daylight hours, a frogmouth may rest with its beak slightly open to catch any insect that flies too close. As it hunts mostly species considered to be pests or vermin, it is considered one of the most effective species of bird for pest control in Australia.
Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game[]
The Tawny Frogmouth is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game and was added in the New Shores expansion pack. It is a Vivarium species and may be adoptable during the Autumn months.
The tawny frogmouth is a Dry Forest bird and, when adopted, provides the player with two "Buzz" points for that year. It must be placed in a row alongside other birds, dry forest species or species that provide Buzz bonuses.
Trivia[]
The tawny frogmouth, alongside the majority of the Vivarium species roster for New Shores, was decided by a community vote on Discord. However, during production, a calculation error revealed that too many species had been included. As a result, the tawny frogmouth was cut, alongside seven other initially planned species. Despite this, it was later added back during the Kickstarter campaign after six enclosure tiles were cut to make room for the Chinese Giant Salamander and Straw-Coloured Fruit Bat, allowing enough room for the tawny frogmouth to be added back into the expansion.