THE FROGMOUTHS 



231 



stiff attitude of a rugged branch broken off short. The eyes are 

 large and adapted to the diminished light of night, the brighter 

 light of day seemingly making them dazed and inert. In both 

 these characters they resemble the Owls. Their disposition is, 



Freckled Frogmouth ; Podargus phalaenoides. 



TT. S. Kent. 



however, much milder, and they can be handled by day without 

 attempting to offer any resistance. They are invaluable insect- 

 feeders, and capture their food. Cicadas, Phasmids and Beetles, 

 &e., on the branches of the trees. After swallowing an insect 

 they bring their mandibles together with a loud snap, as if in 



