Steatornis caripensis
The Oilbird, *Steatornis caripensis*, is a truly extraordinary avian species, representing the sole member of its family, Steatornithidae, and order, Steatornithiformes. Measuring approximately 40-49 cm (16-19 in) in length with an impressive wingspan of up to 91 cm (36 in) and weighing 350-480 g (12-17 oz), this robust, rufous-brown bird is mottled and streaked with black, featuring distinctive white spots edged in black, particularly on its head, neck, and wings. Its large, forward-facing d...
Oilbirds exclusively inhabit dark caves for roosting and nesting, foraging in humid, tropical and subtropical montane forests or cloud forests, typically at elevations from sea level up to 3,000 meters (9,800 feet).
Oilbirds are obligate frugivores, feeding almost exclusively on the ripe fruits of oil palms, laurels, and members of the avocado family, which they pluck on the wing during nocturnal foraging flights.
Oilbirds are strictly nocturnal, emerging from their dark cave roosts at dusk in large, noisy flocks to forage, and returning before dawn. Their foraging strategy is unique: they pluck ripe fruits directly from trees on the wing, using their keen sense of smell to locate food and echolocation to ...
The Oilbird's range extends across northern South America and Trinidad. Breeding colonies are found in Venezuela (notably Cueva del Guácharo National Park), Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and parts of northern Brazil (especially along the border with Venezuela and Colombia...
Least Concern
- The Oilbird is the only nocturnal fruit-eating bird in the world. - It is one of the very few birds, and the only nocturnal one, known to use echolocation for navigation in total darkness, emitting audible clicks (about 7 kHz). - Oilbird chicks grow to be significantly fatter and heavier than t...