Australian Owlet-nightjar Bird Details
Aegotheles cristatus
Australian Owlet-nightjar
NA
George Shaw (biologist), 1790
Caprimulgiformes (NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES)
Aegothelidae
Aegotheles
Australia
Appearance :
The Australian Owlet-nightjar is a small bird, measuring about 21-27 cm in length. It has a compact body with a rounded head, large eyes, and a short tail. The plumage varies, but typically it is mottled brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Behaviour :
During the day, the Australian Owlet-nightjar roosts quietly on tree branches, relying on its cryptic plumage for camouflage. It becomes active at night, hunting insects on the wing with its wide gape and bristle-like feathers around its mouth.
Habitat :
It inhabits various forested habitats, including eucalypt forests, woodlands, and occasionally suburban gardens with sufficient tree cover.
Diet :
Its diet primarily consists of insects, which it catches in flight using its wide gape and agile flight abilities.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Australian Owlet-nightjar is endemic to Australia and is found across much of the continent, excluding the most arid and treeless regions.
Population Size :
Exact population numbers are not readily available.
Life Span :
Average 3 to 9 years
Body And Tarsus:
- Compact and rounded.
- Tarsus Length: Around 2.32 to 2.37 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is large relative to body size.
- Bill: A short, stout bill.
- Bill Length: Around 1.44 to 1.48 cm.
Length :
Approximately 21-27 cm in length.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and not prominently differentiated from the body.
Size :
Small to medium-sized bird.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short, contributing to its agile flight capabilities.
- Tail Length: Around 11.5 to 12.5 cm.
Weight :
Weighs around 50-80 grams on average.
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, aiding in maneuverability during nocturnal flight.
Wing Span :
Wingspan is typically around 40-50 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Australian Owlet-nightjar has large, forward-facing eyes that aid in its nocturnal hunting. It also has a short, stout bill adapted for catching insects.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Typically located in tree hollows, often abandoned by other birds or natural crevices in trees.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is rudimentary, consisting of little more than a scrape or minimal lining of debris or feathers.
Breeding Season :
Breeding occurs during the warmer months, from spring to early summer.
Nesting Season :
Nesting season coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
Pale pinkish-white with brown or purplish speckles.
Egg Length :
Approximately 24-26 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
Clutch Size :
Typically 2 eggs per clutch, sometimes 1 or rarely 3.
No. of Broods :
Usually raises a single brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Incubation lasts about 20-24 days, carried out by both parents.
Nestling Period :
Nestlings remain in the nest for about 25-30 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
The vocalization of the Australian Owlet-nightjar is a series of soft, plaintive whistles or trills, often heard at dusk or during the night.
Sex Demorphism :
Males and females looking similar in plumage and size.
Migration Details :
t is non-migratory and remains within its range throughout the year.
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