Oilbird
Image: Henry Gold (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 mottled and barred with black, especially on the upperparts. It features prominent white spots edged with black on the head, nape, wings, and tail, providing excellent camouflage in its cave environment.
Vocalization / CallOilbirds produce a variety of harsh, guttural screeches, squawks, and growls, particularly when disturbed in their caves. They also emit high-frequency clicks for echolocation, which are audible to humans.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatscaves, tropical forests
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern South America, including parts of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and the island of Trinidad.
Identifying Featuresnocturnal, cave-dwelling, echolocation, large eyes, hooked bill, rufous-brown plumage with white spots, specialized frugivorous diet
Description
The Oilbird is a unique nocturnal, cave-dwelling bird, the only nocturnal frugivore in the world. It navigates in complete darkness using echolocation, producing audible clicks, and has large eyes for low-light vision outside its roosts.
