Breeding Biology of the Plumed Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus plumiferus and Marbled Frogmouth P.o. marmoratus

Abstract

Three pairs of Plumed Frogmouths Podargus ocellatus plumiferus were studied, and a further five pairs monitored, in 1997- 2002 by a combination of nocturnal observation and call-playback, on the D'Aguilar Range in south-eastern Queensland. Density was one pair to about 60 ha, and territories were estimated at about 20 ha (n = 3) to 40 ha (n = 1). Nesting usually started in mid to late October; incubation took about 4 weeks (n = 1 ). Brood-size and nferred clutch-size were invariably one (n = 13). Nests were placed in upright forks of rainforest saplings (n = 5), upright (n = 6) or horizontal (n = 3) forks in rainforest trees, or probably in upright forks (n = 2), at heights of 6-25 m (mean 16.5 m; n = 14). Some nest-sites were re-u sed 1- 3 times in consecutive years. Males incubated or brooded by day, and females for at least the fir st night shift. Vocalisations, territory defence, nest-site selection, nestbuilding nd mating are described. Nests and eggs of the Marbled Frogmouth P.o. marmoratus (n = 2) are also described .