Australian Owlet-nightjar

Aegotheles cristatus

The Australian Owlet-nightjar is a small, nocturnal bird native to Australia and nearby islands. It has a distinctive plumage with mottled brown and white feathers, large eyes, and a wide gape. These birds are known for their haunting, melodic calls that echo through the night. They primarily feed on insects and are skilled hunters, using their sharp beaks to catch prey in mid-flight. Australian Owlet-nightjars are typically found in open woodlands, forests, and scrublands, where they roost in tree hollows during the day. They are solitary birds and are rarely seen in flight. Despite their widespread distribution, their population status is currently unknown.

Habitat: Open woodlands, forests, and scrublands