The tawny frogmouth is a carnivorous species. They feed upon nocturnal insects, worms, slugs and snails. The majority of their food is acquired by sitting still and waiting for insects to fly into their open mouth. They are attracted to the beak as the inside is yellow.

In some cases they will hunt bugs flying around lights and also prey on small mammals, reptiles, birds and frogs. Tawny frogmouths are sometimes injured when they collide with cars because they are chasing bugs caught in the headlights.

Australia is the native home of the tawny frogmouth. They are found across the mainland and in Tasmania. Western Queensland, the Nullarbor Plain and the central Northern Territory are the only areas where they are absent.

A pair of tawny frogmouths remain together for life. They will maintain a territory together for over a decade. Breeding occurs between August and December in most areas though in arid areas it occurs in response to heavy rains. At this time the pair roost close together and the male gently grooms the plumage of the female with his beak.