Great Eared-Nightjar
NameGreat Eared-Nightjar
Common NameGreat Eared-Nightjar
Scientific NameLyncornis macrotis
FamilyCaprimulgidae
Wingspan (cm)52
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)160
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is cryptically patterned with mottled browns, blacks, and buffs, allowing it to blend seamlessly with tree bark and leaf litter. It features prominent, stiff, horn-like ear tufts on the crown, a broad head, and large dark eyes. The underparts are typically barred with buff and dark brown.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, loud, ringing 'chiank' or 'twi-onk' repeated at intervals, often described as metallic or bell-like.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Identifying Featureslarge size, prominent ear tufts, cryptic mottled plumage, nocturnal habits, broad head, large dark eyes
Description
A large, nocturnal nightjar distinguished by its prominent ear tufts and cryptic plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in its forest habitat. It is an insectivore, primarily active at dusk and dawn, catching insects in flight with its wide mouth.
