Feline Owlet-nightjar
Aegotheles insignis
A large owlet-nightjar of montane rainforest interior. Outlandish and unique appearance. Arching V-shaped, buffy eyebrows, spiky whiskers, rufous or brown body with 3 broad, vertical white bands made of tear-shaped white blotches. One down each flank and one down from the bill to chest. Solitary and sometimes seen on day roost in vine tangles of the mid-storey. Call, a variety of churrs and squeals.
Identification
The feline owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles insignis) is a species of bird in the order Aegotheliformes and the family Aegothelidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is the largest owlet-nightjar in New Guinea. In general, it is a rufous bird whose underparts are streaked with three bands of white. It has a prominent white supercilium. Despite being the largest owlet-nightjar and being considered a fairly common bird, the feline owlet-nightjar is quite elusive and not often seen. The feline owlet-nightjar is closely related to the starry owlet-nightjar, although the two are considered as separate species. The primary food source for this species is insects, particularly beetles. The species is considered to be of least concern, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, although its biggest threat is deforestation.
Taxonomy
Genus: Aegotheles; Family: Aegothelidae; Order: Aegotheliformes.
- Scientific name
- Aegotheles insignis
- Authority
- Salvadori, 1876
- Order
- Aegotheliformes
- Family
- Aegothelidae
- Genus
- Aegotheles
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
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