The tawny frogmouth is both intriguing and endearing. In this new book, well-known author Gisela Kaplan presents us with an easy-to-read account of these unique nocturnal birds of the Australian bush.
This detailed account of life, behaviour and biology of tawny frogmouths is based on the most comprehensive single study ever conducted on tawny frogmouths, including wild and hand-raised birds. It combines ten years of systematic observation with published research to take us across a surprising range of characteristics and special features of this unusual bird. This book also notes insights derived from specific regional bird fauna surveys across Australia.
We are shown this captivating Australian species in completely new and even unexpected ways. We learn that tawny frogmouths are very affectionate, have close bonds with lifelong partners, scream like prowling tomcats when distressed, fight with lightning speed and defend nest sites from reptilian predators by mobbing and spraying pungent faeces at these dangerous opponents. Uncompromising male fights are contrasted with a touching gentleness of males as fathers.
We also learn how resilient and unusual tawny frogmouths are in the way they cope with heat and cold, sit out danger, do without drinking for most of their lives, and can use a large variety of food items.
The developmental stages of nestlings and juveniles are illustrated with a number of stunning visual images accompanying the text, most of which have never before been described or seen.
A complete overview of one of Australia’s most intriguing birds
Written by one of Australia’s leading animal behaviour researchers
Preamble
1 What and where they are
2 Anatomy
3 The senses
4 Daily life and adaptation
5 Feeding and territory
6 Bonding and breeding
7 Development
8 Emotions, vocal behaviour and communication
Epilogue
References
Index
Natural history enthusiasts; amateur and professional ornithologists; and upper-secondary level students and undergraduate students.
"The author is obviously fascinated with Tawny Frogmouths and this enthusiasm is infectious in this book, particularly when she is reporting personal observations of the birds. There is, it appear, also considerable previously unpublished information contained in this book, particularly in the section on communication. I strongly recommend Tawny Frogmouth to anyone interested in this little known species (or frogmouths generally) and to students wanting a clear, well written summary on the biology of birds."
Stephen Pruett-Jones, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology Vol 121 No.2, June 2009
"An engaging read, which will be rewarding for anyone with an interest in the species." James Gilroy, Ibis - Journal of the British Ornithologists' Union, 2008
"Being the most in-depth study of Tawny Frogmouth behaviour to date, the book is packed with new and interesting information on this otherwise under-studied species. Tawny Frogmouth has much to offer by way of important new information on the Tawny Frogmouth." Stephen Debus, Australian Field Ornithology, Vol. 25, March 2008
Gisela Kaplan is a Research Fellow in the School of Science & Technology (formerly School of Biological, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences) and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Professional Development & Leadership at the University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales. A prolific writer, with 19 published books, she has gained national and international acclaim for her books on bird behaviour and animal cognition, among them her book on Australian magpies. Intimately familiar with tawny frogmouths, she now presents the results of 10 years of research on the species.
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