Siphonorhis americana
The Jamaican Poorwill, *Siphonorhis americana*, is a critically endangered and enigmatic nocturnal bird endemic to Jamaica, renowned for its dramatic rediscovery after being presumed extinct for nearly a century. This medium-sized nightjar measures approximately 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in length, with a cryptic plumage of mottled grey, brown, rufous, and black that provides exceptional camouflage against leaf litter and bark. Key field marks include a distinct, if often obscure, pale nuchal co...
This species primarily inhabits dry limestone forests, often characterized by dense undergrowth and rocky terrain, and occasionally extends into mature secondary woodlands at low to mid-elevations.
Its diet consists almost exclusively of nocturnal flying insects, primarily moths and beetles, which it captures in flight through aerial hawking.
Strictly nocturnal, the Jamaican Poorwill spends its days roosting motionless on the ground or on low branches, its cryptic plumage providing superb camouflage. Foraging occurs predominantly at dusk and dawn, as well as throughout the night, involving aerial sallies from a low perch to hawk flyin...
The Jamaican Poorwill is strictly endemic to the island of Jamaica, where its population is severely restricted and highly fragmented. Historical records suggest a wider distribution across the island, but its current range is confined to a few localized areas, primarily within the dry limestone ...
Critically Endangered
- The Jamaican Poorwill was presumed extinct for 99 years, from 1860 until its dramatic rediscovery in 1959. - It is one of the world's most endangered birds, with an extremely small and fragmented population. - Its cryptic plumage is so effective that it can be nearly impossible to spot even whe...