Aegotheles bennettii
The Barred Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles bennettii) is a cryptic and fascinating nocturnal bird native to New Guinea and surrounding islands. Measuring 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing around 45-55 grams, it is a relatively small and compact bird with a distinctive owl-like head and nightjar-like body. Its plumage is a masterpiece of camouflage, a complex pattern of mottled greys, browns, and rufous tones, heavily barred across the head, back, and underparts, allowing it to blend sea...
Found primarily in primary and secondary rainforests, forest edges, and disturbed woodlands, ranging from lowlands up to 1,500 meters (occasionally higher) in elevation.
Feeds almost exclusively on insects, including moths, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, cicadas, ants, and termites, caught mostly in flight or gleaned from surfaces.
The Barred Owlet-nightjar is strictly nocturnal and crepuscular, emerging from its daytime roosts at dusk to begin foraging. It typically roosts solitarily in tree hollows, dense foliage, or rock crevices, relying heavily on its cryptic plumage for concealment. Foraging involves a 'sally-glean' t...
The Barred Owlet-nightjar is primarily resident across New Guinea and some adjacent islands, with its distribution being somewhat fragmented. The nominate subspecies, *Aegotheles bennettii bennettii*, is found in southeastern New Guinea. The subspecies *Aegotheles bennettii wiedenfeldi* occupies ...
Least Concern
- The Barred Owlet-nightjar is one of the smallest nocturnal birds in its range, often compared in size to a thrush. - Its name is a bit of a misnomer; it belongs to its own unique family (Aegothelidae), distinct from both true owls and typical nightjars. - They possess an incredibly wide gape, p...