Nyctiphrynus ocellatus
The Ocellated Poorwill (*Nyctiphrynus ocellatus*) is a master of cryptic camouflage, a small, nocturnal nightjar distinguished by its striking eye-like spots, or ocelli, on its scapulars and wing coverts. Measuring approximately 18-21 cm (7-8.3 in) in length with a wingspan of 38-42 cm (15-16.5 in) and weighing around 40-55 grams (1.4-1.9 oz), its plumage is a complex mosaic of mottled browns, grays, and black, intricately patterned to blend seamlessly with leaf litter and tree bark. A faint ...
Found in humid tropical and subtropical lowland and lower montane forests, primarily inhabiting the dense understory and forest edges from sea level up to around 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) elevation.
Feeds exclusively on flying insects, predominantly moths and beetles, captured during agile flights from perches or in continuous, low-level aerial hawking.
The Ocellated Poorwill is predominantly nocturnal and crepuscular, emerging at dusk to forage and ceasing activity before dawn, spending its days roosting cryptically on the forest floor amidst dead leaves or lengthwise on low branches. Its foraging strategy involves short, agile flights from a l...
The Ocellated Poorwill is a resident species distributed across a wide range in Central and South America. Its northern extent reaches southern Mexico, including states like Chiapas, extending south through Central America encompassing Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panam...
Least Concern
- The "ocellated" in its name refers to the distinctive eye-like spots (ocelli) on its wing coverts and scapulars, which enhance its remarkable camouflage. - It is a master of disguise, blending so perfectly with leaf litter and forest bark that it can be nearly impossible to spot even when you k...