The Australian Owlet-nightjar is the smallest of the nocturnal birds (night birds) found in Australia. Its large brown eyes are non-reflective when exposed to a torch or spotlight (other nocturnal birds give a red reflection). The Owlet-nightjar has two different plumage colourations: russet-brown (rufous), and the more common grey. In both forms the birds are paler below, and are faintly barred with black. There are two wide black stripes that extend over the head from the top of the eyes, and meet on the back of the neck. The rufous form is restricted to the female birds, which, even in the grey form, tend to be more rufous-tinged than the males. Juvenile resembles adult, but has slightly softer and sometimes more finely speckled plumage, shorter tail, somewhat shorter facilial bristles, pattern on crown lacking. Young Owlet-nightjars resemble adults, but have less distinct black markings.
Not Threatened.
The Australian Owlet-nightjar is the smallest of the nocturnal birds (night birds) found in Australia. Its large brown eyes are non-reflective when exposed to a torch or spotlight (other nocturnal birds give a red reflection). The Owlet-nightjar has two different plumage colourations: russet-brown (rufous), and the more common grey. In both forms the birds are paler below, and are faintly barred with black. There are two wide black stripes that extend over the head from the top of the eyes, and meet on the back of the neck. The rufous form is restricted to the female birds, which, even in the grey form, tend to be more rufous-tinged than the males. Juvenile resembles adult, but has slightly softer and sometimes more finely speckled plumage, shorter tail, somewhat shorter facilial bristles, pattern on crown lacking. Young Owlet-nightjars resemble adults, but have less distinct black markings.
21-25 cm, 35-65 g
Taxonomy:
- Caprimulgus cristatus Shaw et al., 1790, New South Wales = Sydney area. Apparently a close relative of A. bennettii, and formerly considered conspecific; A. bennettii affinis sometimes erroneously included within present species. Variation complex, but much of it clinal, with largest birds in N of range; population in S New Guinea formerly treated as separate race, major, but appears to represent no more than end-point of size cline of nominate form; several other races listed in old literature are based on individual or polymorphic variation in coloration. Two subspecies currently recognized. (source: Handbook of the Birds of World)
Subspecies and Distribution:
- * cristatus (Shaw et al., 1790) - SE New Guinea between R Oriomo and Tarara (Port Moresby region); Australia. * tasmanicus Mathews, 1918 - Tasmania.
The preferred habitat is almost any tree-studded area where there are suitable hollows, although open areas are also visited. During the day it roosts in hollow branches and tree trunks. The birds form permanent bonds, and pairs occupy the same territory throughout the year.
Feed at night on a variety of insects. Birds will readily take flying prey, or will pounce on prey either on the ground or in trees. Hunting takes place within a territory and normally in pairs. The Owlet-nightjars watch for food while in flight, or by sitting and searching from a suitable perch.
Raise one brood per season. Both sexes construct the nest, which is a bed of green leaves, placed in a suitable tree hollow or rock crevice. Both birds also incubate the eggs and care for the chicks.Breeding season: July to December Clutch size: 2 to 5 Incubation: 28 days Time in nest: 28 days