Australian Owlet-nightjar
NameAustralian Owlet-nightjar
Common NameAustralian Owlet-nightjar
Scientific NameAegotheles cristatus
FamilyAegothelidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsPlumage is typically grey-brown, heavily mottled and streaked with darker brown and black, providing excellent camouflage. The underside is paler, often whitish with fine barring. It has large, dark eyes and a short, wide bill surrounded by prominent rictal bristles.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, churring 'churr-churr' or 'chook-chook' call, often repeated. It also produces trilling and whistling notes, particularly during breeding season.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across mainland Australia and southern New Guinea, inhabiting a variety of wooded habitats from dense forests to open woodlands and mallee scrub.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, dark, forward-facing eyes, Small size (owl-like appearance but not an owl), Cryptic grey-brown mottled plumage, Nocturnal habits, Short, wide bill with prominent rictal bristles
Description
The Australian Owlet-nightjar is a small, nocturnal bird with large, dark eyes and cryptic plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly with tree bark. It is an insectivore, primarily active at night, hunting insects on the wing or from a perch.
