Great Eared-Nightjar Bird Details
Lyncornis macrotis
Great Eared-Nightjar,Eared Nightjar;
Bada kan wala nishachar
Nicholas Aylward Vigors,1831
Caprimulgiformes (NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES)
Caprimulgidae
Lyncornis
India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Appearance :
Large nightjar with long ear-tufts and a robust body. Brown and cryptically patterned, which helps them blend in with forest floors and leaf litter.
Behaviour :
Mostly solitary or found in pairs. Nocturnal and elusive, rarely seen during the day as they camouflage well.
Habitat :
Dense tropical forests, evergreen forests, and mangrove forests. Prefers hilly or lowland forested areas near water bodies.
Diet :
Insectivorous; feeds on moths, beetles, and other flying insects caught in the air during flight.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found across Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian Subcontinent.
Population Size :
he exact population size is not well-documented.
Life Span :
Not extensively studied, but typical lifespan for similar nightjars is between 4-6 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Great Eared-Nightjar has a stocky, robust body that is well-adapted to nocturnal flight and camouflage. Its cryptic plumage helps it blend in with the forest floor.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 18-20 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Large and flat with prominent ear-tufts (hence the name "Great Eared-Nightjar").
- Eyes: Large and adapted for nocturnal vision, aiding in detecting prey during nighttime.
- Bill: Short but wide, typical of nightjars, designed for catching insects in flight.
- Bill Length: Around 10-12 mm.
Length :
Ranges from 31-41 cm (12.2-16.1 inches).
Neck :
Short and thick, giving the bird a compact appearance.
Size :
The Great Eared-Nightjar is relatively large compared to other nightjars
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and slightly forked, enhancing maneuverability in flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 18-23 cm.
- Feathers: Cryptically colored in brown, gray, and black patterns, offering excellent camouflage against tree bark and the forest floor.
Weight :
Ranges from 100-190 grams (3.5-6.7 ounces).
Wing :
Broad and rounded, designed for slow, silent flight.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 52-60 cm (20.5-23.6 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Great Eared-Nightjar has prominent ear-tufts on its head, which enhance its distinctive appearance and aid in camouflage.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Great Eared-Nightjars do not build traditional nests. Instead, they lay eggs directly on the ground, usually among leaf litter or on bare ground, providing effective camouflage.
- Nest Made Up Of: No specific materials; they utilize natural substrates like leaf litter, twigs, and forest debris.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period varies geographically but generally occurs between March and June.
Nesting Season :
Typically coincides with the breeding season, from March to June.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically pale buff or cream with darker speckles or blotches, helping them blend into their surroundings.
Egg Length :
Approximately 28-30 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 22-24 mm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs about 8-10 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually consists of 2 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, they raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 17-19 days
Nestling Period :
The young fledge around 18-20 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Known for a variety of calls, including a low, repetitive "craw-craw" sound used during courtship and territorial displays. Their vocalizations can also vary by region.
Sex Demorphism :
Males tend to be slightly larger and may have more pronounced ear-tufts.
Migration Details :
Generally considered a resident species, the Great Eared-Nightjar does not undertake long migrations.
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