There's a new baby at the Denver Zoo!
Denver Zoo is thrilled to welcome what is believed to be the first tawny frogmouth chick to be successfully reared at the zoo. The chick, named Kermit, whose gender is still not known, arrived on January 27. Guests may be lucky and catch a glimpse of the new chick in its home of Bird World, presented by FlyFrontier.com, as it grows and becomes visible as it is brooded by its parents. Zookeepers monitor the chick's weight closely each morning and supplementally feed it as needed.
Zookeepers say the species is somewhat difficult to breed and over the years they struggled with problems such as finding compatible pairs or infertility. Two birds hatched at Denver Zoo in 1996, but they passed away less than two days after hatching.
[ Denver Zoo ]
What are tawny frogmouths?
As their name indicates, tawny frogmouths are known for their wide frog-like mouths, which they use to catch insects and other small animals. They are sometimes mistaken for owls as they have very similar body types, but are actually more closely related to birds like whippoorwills and nightjars. Tawny frogmouths are also masters of disguise. Their beige and brown feathers remarkably resemble the tree branches in which they roost. When they feel threatened they sit perfectly still and rely on their camouflage to hide from predators.
Tawny frogmouths inhabit forests and open woodlands in Australia and Tasmania. Scientists are not sure how many tawny frogmouths exist in the wild. Their greatest threats come from being hit by cars while feeding and exposure to pesticides.
[ Denver Zoo ]
Welcome to Denver and the world, Kermit!