Aegotheles albertisi
The Mountain Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles albertisi) is a diminutive and exquisitely cryptic nocturnal bird, a member of the ancient and unique owlet-nightjar family (Aegothelidae), placing it distinct from true owls or nightjars. Measuring approximately 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 in) in length and weighing a mere 25-40 grams, it is one of the smallest representatives of its family. Its plumage is a masterpiece of camouflage, typically mottled grey-brown to rich rufous, heavily barred and streaked with ...
This species primarily inhabits montane rainforests and humid tropical montane forests, typically found at elevations ranging from 800 to 3,600 meters (2,600 to 11,800 feet) above sea level.
Exclusively insectivorous, feeding primarily on a variety of flying insects such as moths, beetles, and crickets, which it captures in flight using a sally-and-catch foraging method.
The Mountain Owlet-nightjar is strictly nocturnal, spending its days roosting motionless in tree hollows, dense foliage, or camouflaged against tree trunks, relying entirely on its cryptic plumage to avoid detection. At dusk, it emerges to forage, employing a characteristic "sallying" technique: ...
The Mountain Owlet-nightjar is a resident species primarily found throughout the montane regions of New Guinea, encompassing both the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua and the nation of Papua New Guinea. Its distribution is fragmented across various mountain ranges, including the Centr...
Least Concern
- The Mountain Owlet-nightjar is one of the smallest members of the Owlet-nightjar family (Aegothelidae), often weighing less than a golf ball. - Its plumage is a masterclass in camouflage, allowing it to blend almost perfectly with tree bark, moss, and lichen during its daytime roost. - Despite ...