Oilbird
Image: Jeremiah (cc-by-nc)
NameOilbird
Common NameOilbird
Scientific NameSteatornis caripensis
FamilySteatornithidae
Wingspan (cm)91
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)380
Plumage DetailsPlumage is generally dull reddish-brown to dark brown, heavily mottled with black and white spots, particularly on the head, neck, and wings. The underparts are paler with fewer spots. The image, illuminated in red light, highlights the overall reddish tone and visible white spots.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a variety of harsh squawks, screeches, and guttural calls, often described as raucous. They also produce high-frequency clicks for echolocation to navigate in dark caves.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatscaves, tropical forests, subtropical forests
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern South America, including Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and parts of Brazil and Guyana. They inhabit caves in forested areas.
Identifying Featuresnocturnal, cave-dwelling, echolocation, large forward-facing eyes, stout hooked bill, specialized frugivore, mottled 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 known to use echolocation. It possesses large, forward-facing eyes adapted for low light and a stout, hooked bill for consuming fruit.
