Australian Owlet-nightjar
Aegotheles cristatus
Smallest Australian nocturnal bird, primarily gray-brown with large eyes, relatively long tail, and "whiskers" on the face. During the day, usually seen only if one is peering out of a roosting hollow. Small size and near lack of eyeshine make this species also difficult to locate at night; the call, a loud, brief "chew," is the best way to locate one.
Identification
The Australian owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) is a nocturnal bird found in open woodland across Australia and in southern New Guinea. It is the smallest nocturnal bird found in Australia, making it prone to predation. It is colloquially known as the moth owl or fairy owl and Jarlajirrpi by the Warlpiri people. It is the most common nocturnal bird in Australia. Despite suffering from predation and competition by introduced species, it is not considered threatened.
Taxonomy
Genus: Aegotheles; Family: Aegothelidae; Order: Aegotheliformes.
- Scientific name
- Aegotheles cristatus
- Authority
- (Shaw, 1790)
- 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
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer
Diglossa gloriosissima
One of the most beautiful of all flowerpiercers, found only at high elevations near tree line in Colombia’s western Andes. Adult is black with a chestnut belly and silvery shoulder patch. Young birds are duller and browner. Also note the oddly shaped bill with a hooked tip, used to penetrate the bases of flowers to extract nectar. Inhabits scrub and stunted forest, and visits hummingbird feeders in at least one location. Song, often quite long, consists of squeaky chirps that constantly change in pitch.
Carbonated Sierra Finch
Rhopospina carbonaria
Plump tanager of arid lowlands in central Argentina, chiefly in northern Patagonian scrub. Similar to larger Mourning Sierra-Finch, but Carbonated has a less deeply curved top of bill, extensive black on underparts, and, in males, a pure yellow bill.
Jungle Owlet
Glaucidium radiatum
Squat little owl with dense barring all over the body. Lacks the false eyes on the back of the head possessed by many other owlets. Gives bursts of loud hollow trills, comparable to barbets, as well as a mellow “kaaaooo-kaaaaooo-kah-ow!” A forest species, found in densely wooded areas in lowlands and foothills. Most active at dawn and dusk.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.