Masters of Disguise
ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIAN NAME
Kom-be-gaar (COM-bee-gah) in the Wardandi Noongar language of southwestern Australia
- The Zoo has two tawny frogmouths: female Sydney, hatched August 2011, came from San Antonio Zoo and male Stanley, hatched October 1997, came from Minnesota Zoo
- This adaptable bird inhabits a variety of habitats throughout Australia and Tasmania. They live in forests, scrubland, eucalyptus and acacia woodlands, and suburban parks.
- These birds are typically between 8 to 21 inches tall
- They eat insects, spiders, worms, slugs, and snails
- By day, frogmouths sleep on low tree branches. When disturbed, they stiffen their body, simulating a branch—a behavior called “stumping.”
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Species Survival Plans
The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the 220+ accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in Species Survival Plans (SSP), a cooperatively managed program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). More than 200 different species are managed through SSPs, aimed at maintaining genetic diversity within AZA populations, sustaining these populations, and guarding against extinction.
Wildlife Experiences
Meet the Animals
Have you always wanted to get just a little bit closer to the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo? Well, you can! Take a look at our animal encounters, and choose the best option for you and/or your family.