Oilbird
Image: ecarranza09 (cc-by-nc)
NameOilbird
Common NameOilbird
Scientific NameSteatornis caripensis
FamilySteatornithidae
Wingspan (cm)95
Length (cm)45
Weight (g)415
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly reddish-brown, mottled with black and white. It features distinctive white spots on the wings, nape, and neck, providing camouflage in its dark cave environments. The underside is paler.
Vocalization / CallOilbirds produce a variety of harsh, guttural screeches, squawks, and clicks. The clicks are used for echolocation to navigate in complete darkness within caves.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatscaves, tropical forest, subtropical forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern South America, including parts of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and on the island of Trinidad.
Identifying FeaturesNocturnal and cave-dwelling, Echolocation ability, Large, forward-facing eyes, Prominent stiff rictal bristles around the bill, Brown plumage with white spots on wings and neck, Specialized diet of oil palm and laurel fruits
Description
The Oilbird is a nocturnal, cave-dwelling bird known for its unique ability to echolocate, similar to bats. It has a stout body, large eyes, and a hooked bill surrounded by prominent stiff bristles, adapted for its specialized frugivorous diet.
