Lyncornis macrotis
The Philippine Eared Nightjar, *Lyncornis macrotis*, although sometimes broadly referred to as 'Great Eared Nightjar' in older texts (a common name now more strictly applied to *L. cerviniceps* on mainland Asia), is the largest and most distinctive nocturnal bird of its family found exclusively in the Philippines. Measuring approximately 31-40 cm in length with a formidable wingspan up to 70 cm and weighing 130-190 grams, it boasts a cryptically mottled plumage of browns, blacks, and rufous, ...
Primarily found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, secondary forests, and forest edges, typically from sea level up to around 1,800 meters elevation.
Feeds exclusively on large flying insects, primarily moths, beetles, and cicadas, which it catches in mid-air.
The Philippine Eared Nightjar is strictly nocturnal, becoming active from dusk until dawn, spending its days camouflaged on the forest floor or perched horizontally on low branches, appearing uncannily like a broken log. It is an adept aerial hunter, employing a 'sallying' strategy, launching fro...
The Philippine Eared Nightjar (*Lyncornis macrotis*) is endemic to the Philippines, residing year-round across several of its major islands. Its primary distribution includes Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Negros, and Panay, inhabiting moist lowland to mid-montane forests. It is a non-migratory r...
Least Concern
- The Philippine Eared Nightjar is one of the largest members of the nightjar family, making it an imposing and memorable sight. - Its prominent 'ear tufts' are actually elongated crown feathers, not true ears, serving as exceptional camouflage to break up its silhouette. - This species builds no...