World Of Bird Glory - Aegotheles savesi

New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar Bird Details

Scientific Name

Aegotheles savesi

Common Name

New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar

Hindi Name

First Named By

Edgar Leopold Layard and Edgar Leopold Calthrop Layard , 1881

Order Name

Caprimulgiformes (NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES)

Family Name

Aegothelidae

Genus Name

Aegotheles

Found In Countries

New Caledonia.

Appearance :

The New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar is a small, cryptically colored bird with a distinctively large head and large eyes adapted for nocturnal hunting. Its plumage is typically mottled in shades of brown and grey, helping it blend into its forest habitat.

Behaviour :

This species is nocturnal and spends the day roosting in dense vegetation. It is known for its distinctive calls during the night, which are used for communication and locating mates.

Habitat :

It inhabits lowland and montane forests on the island of New Caledonia, particularly favoring areas with dense undergrowth.

Diet :

The diet primarily consists of insects, which it hunts for at night by flying from a perch to catch prey in mid-air.

Conservation Status :

Critically Endangered

Distribution :

Endemic to the island of New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

Population Size :

Fewer than 50 individuals.

Life Span :

Live for up to 10-15 years.

Body And Tarsus:

Body: The New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar has a compact and owl-like appearance with a rounded body shape.
Tarsus Length: Approximately 3.25 cm

Head And Bill :

Head: The head is relatively large with a distinctive facial disc, similar to owls.
Bill: The bill is short and stout.
Bill Length: Approximately 2.16 cm.

Length :

Approximately 20-25 cm (8-10 inches).

Neck :

The neck of the New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar is short and not prominently visible due to its plumage.

Size :

It is a medium-sized bird.

Tail Details :

Tail: The tail is relatively short, rounded at the tip.
Tail Length: Approximately 14.9 cm.

Weight :

Around 60-80 grams (2-3 ounces), depending on age and condition.

Wing :

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

Wing Span :

Around 45-50 cm (18-20 inches)

Facial Feature :

It has large, dark eyes adapted for nocturnal hunting, and a facial disc that aids in sound localization, similar to owls.

Nest Details :

Nest: The nest of Aegotheles savesi is typically placed in natural tree hollows or crevices in large trees, often in dense forested areas.
Nest Composition: The nest is made up of dry leaves, small twigs, and other plant materials that provide a cushioned and insulated environment for the eggs and nestlings.

Breeding Season :

During the Southern Hemisphere's Spring and summer months, from around September to February.

Nesting Season :

Nests during the same period as their breeding season.

Egg Color :

White or cream-colored.

Egg Length :

Approximately 25-28 mm.

Egg Width and Weight :

Egg Width: Approximately 19-21 mm.
Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 3-4 grams.

Clutch Size :

A typical clutch size consists of 2 eggs.

No. of Broods :

Raise one brood per breeding season.

Incubation Period :

Approximately 30-35 days

Nestling Period :

About 5-6 weeks

Vocalization :

The New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar is known for its distinctive vocalizations, often characterized as soft and melodious calls, used for communication and territory marking.

Sex Demorphism :

Both sexes appearing similar.

Migration Details :

Non-migratory Birds.