Australian Owlet-nightjar

Aegotheles cristatus

Dec 24

The Australian Owlet-nightjar is a small-medium size nocturnal bird of Australia and southern New Guinea. The pattern of markings on the head is diagnostic.

The habits of this bird are similar to a flycatcher. They will fly from a branch grabbing an insect and returning to the branch. The difference is that these amazing creatures manage that trick at night.

Classification

Order:  Caprimulgiformes
Family:  Aegothelidae
Genus:  Aegotheles
Species:  A. cristatus

Photos:

Australian Owlet-Nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)
IMG_5076 Australian Owlet-Nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

I am keeping an eye on you….
I am keeping an eye on you....
Australian Owlet-Nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) Capertee Valley,Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia 10th. February 2008

Video:

I have not been able to find video of this species. If you have a video, please leave a comment. 

Commentary: 

Towards resolving deep Neoaves phylogeny: data, signal enhancement

Finally, we report a significant increase in data: nine new mitochondrial genomes (the dollarbird, New Zealand kingfisher, great potoo, Australian owlet-nightjar, white-tailed trogon, barn owl,…   Read more…

2nd November Report

An Australian Owlet-nightjar was seen twice peering out of a roost hollow around 8-9.00am and a pair of Double-eyed Fig-Parrot was foraging in a fig tree along our boundary road (Mt. Kooyong Ro…   Read more…

Australian Owlet-nightjar in our garden

The Australian Owlet-nightjar is a relatively common bird throughout much of Australia. With an overall size of 21-25cm it is our smallest nocturnal bird. In fact, the first time I saw this bir…   Read more…

australian owlet-nightjar does exist

the australian owlet-nightjar does exist*. this enigmatic little owl-like bird can be so frustrating. i have heard it calling many times in many places. it often calls at night from somewhere i…   Read more…

 

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