Podargidae

Sedentary, mates for life, both members occupy permanent territories that they defend together at all times. Strictly nocturnal. Nest is a flimsy platform of twigs, in a horizontal fork several metres from the ground.

Woodland Forest, Wooded country; city parks and gardens. Open woodlands of eucalypts and acacias throughout Australia.

Hunting method similar to the technique of the diurnal kingfishers and butcher birds.

August September October November December. 2 to 4; white. Both sexes build the nest, and it is suspected that the male incubates during the day and the female at night. Incubation takes 30 days and the young fledge some 34-46 days later but remain with parents for several months after leaving nest.

Kakadu National Park

Omnivore, Large insects; spiders and other invertebrates; small birds and mammals are occasionally eaten.