World Of Bird Glory - Aegotheles insignis

Feline Owlet-nightjar Bird Details

Scientific Name

Aegotheles insignis

Common Name

Feline Owlet-nightjar

Hindi Name

First Named By

Adelardo Tommaso Salvadori, 1876

Order Name

Caprimulgiformes (NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES)

Family Name

Aegothelidae

Genus Name

Aegotheles

Found In Countries

Myanmar, Thailand, Laos.

Appearance :

The Feline Owlet-nightjar is a small nocturnal bird with a distinctive appearance characterized by a plump body, large head, and prominent eyes. Its plumage is typically greyish-brown with intricate patterns for camouflage.

Behaviour :

This species is primarily nocturnal, remaining inactive during the day and becoming active at dusk and during the night. It is known for its silent flight and secretive behavior.

Habitat :

It inhabits dense forests and woodlands, especially in humid and montane regions, often near streams or rivers.

Diet :

Its diet consists mainly of insects such as moths, beetles, and other small invertebrates that are caught in flight.

Conservation Status :

Data Deficient

Distribution :

This species is native to the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia, including parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and possibly adjacent areas.

Population Size :

Specific population estimates are not readily available due to limited data.

Life Span :

Estimated to be several years.

Body And Tarsus:

The Feline Owlet-nightjar has a plump body with a compact build, typical of owlet-nightjars.
Tarsus Length: Approximately 2.12 to 2.15 cm.

Head And Bill :

Head: It has a relatively large head.
Bill: A short, stout bill suited for catching insects in flight.
Bill Length: 1.85 to 2.05 cm.

Length :

Around 20-25 cm in length.

Neck :

The neck is relatively short and stout, blending into the body smoothly.

Size :

It is a small to medium-sized bird in comparison to other members of its family.

Tail Details :

Tail: The tail is short and rounded, a characteristic feature of owlet-nightjars.
Tail Length: Around 13.4 to 14 cm.

Weight :

Approximately 78 to 79 grams.

Wing :

The wings are broad and rounded, allowing for agile and silent flight.

Wing Span :

Around 35-40 cm

Facial Feature :

It has large, forward-facing eyes adapted for nocturnal vision and hunting

Nest Details :

Nest: The nest is usually a simple depression on the ground or within low vegetation, often well-hidden and camouflaged.
Nest Made Up of: Leaves, twigs, and other vegetative materials to create a shallow scrape or platform.

Breeding Season :

his usually occurs during the warmer months of the year when insect prey is abundant and conducive for feeding nestlings.

Nesting Season :

Corresponds to the breeding period, when pairs establish nests and raise young.

Egg Color :

white or creamy with possibly some speckling or markings for camouflage.

Egg Length :

Around 2-3 cm.

Egg Width and Weight :

Egg Width: Estimated to be around 1-2 cm.
Egg Weight: Lightweight.

Clutch Size :

1-2 eggs per clutch.

No. of Broods :

raise one brood per breeding season.

Incubation Period :

Around 3-4 weeks.

Nestling Period :

After hatching, nestlings are fed by both parents and typically fledge within a few weeks.

Vocalization :

The vocalizations of the Feline Owlet-nightjar are not extensively documented, but they likely include soft calls and possibly some churring or clicking sounds typical of owlet-nightjars.

Sex Demorphism :

Males and females may have subtle differences in plumage coloration or size, with males sometimes being slightly larger or having more distinct markings.

Migration Details :

Non-migratory Birds.