Watch: Nambucca Heads NSW woman captures video of python scoffing down large bird in Aussie backyard

A Coffs Coast woman got quite a shock when she heard birds “going crazy” and went to investigate. She found a python scoffing down a sizeable feed – and captured a fascinating video.

A Coffs Coast woman heard the birds “going crazy” outside and found a python slowly devouring a large bird.

The fascinating feed she captured on video drew the attention of neighbours at Nambucca Heads, who watched transfixed as a python twisted and turned to force down its sizeable meal.

The snake took quite a while to finish its large meal. Picture: Supplied

Allison March said of her mum’s find last week: “She couldn’t believe her eyes and went ‘holy s--t’.”

“I’m not sure if you can print that,” Ms March added.

“Apparently it took a few hours for it (the snake) to eat the bird, which she’s pretty sure was a kookaburra.”

However, Coffs Harbour ecologist Pete Knock said he was certain the unfortunate bird was a tawny frogmouth.

The python eating the bird, believed to be a tawny frogmouth. Picture: Supplied

A tawny frogmouth. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Our local fauna face many risks to survival in the urban zone, but here a tawny frogmouth has succumbed to its natural arch-nemesis,” he said.

The stocky birds can reach up to 55cm in length and are active at night. They camouflage themselves well during the day and often blend in with tree branches.

Ms March said the snake, believed to be a diamond or closely related carpet python, has moved on and her mother was relieved.

Though she’s been left “wondering which house it’s going to hibernate in” next.

Snakes like pythons are protected by law in NSW. Residents who require help with a snake on their property should phone a licenced and insured snake catcher.

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Originally published as Watch: Nambucca Heads NSW woman captures video of python scoffing down large bird in Aussie backyard