Oilbird
Image: Jeremiah (cc-by-nc)
NameOilbird
Common NameOilbird
Scientific NameSteatornis caripensis
FamilySteatornithidae
Wingspan (cm)95
Length (cm)45
Weight (g)415
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly rufous-brown, heavily spotted and barred with white, particularly on the head, neck, and underparts. The tail is long and barred with dark brown and rufous.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its harsh, guttural screeches, squawks, and clicks. The clicks are high-frequency sounds used for echolocation to navigate in complete darkness within caves.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatscaves, tropical forests
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern South America, including Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and parts of Brazil, typically in mountainous regions with suitable caves.
Identifying Featuresnocturnal, cave-dwelling, echolocation, large eyes, hooked bill, frugivorous diet, rufous-brown plumage with white spots
Description
The Oilbird is a unique nocturnal, cave-dwelling bird, notable for being the only nocturnal frugivore and one of the few birds to use echolocation for navigation. It has a stout body, large eyes, and a hooked bill, adapted for its specialized diet and dark habitat.
