Oilbird

Steatornis caripensis Humboldt, 1817

Steatornithidae — Oilbird

Oilbird, Steatornis caripensis, breeds in northern South America from Panama to the north-west. It belongs to the family Steatornithidae and the order Steatornithiformes. Described by Humboldt in 1817, it is the only living member of its genus. This bird nests in colonies in caves and is active at night. It feeds on fruit from oil palms and tropical laurels, and it uses echolocation to find its way. Its clicks are high-pitched and can be heard by people.

Order
Steatornithiformes
Family
Steatornithidae — Oilbird
Breeding range
South America: Panama to n, nw
Oilbird
© Alastair Rae from London, United Kingdom · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

Tours where you can spot this bird

6 tours in Trinidad and Tobago 3, Ecuador 2, Peru 1

Northern Peru: Marvelous Spatuletail, Long-whiskered Owlet and Feeder Birding
Northern Peru: Marvelous Spatuletail, Long-whiskered Owlet and Feeder Birding
Peru / Tarapoto Group tour 14 days

A 14-day northern Peru birding route linking Tarapoto, Moyobamba and Abra Patricia, with Marvelous Spatuletail, Long-whiskered Owlet and a n...

From USD 6,990 Next: May 8, 2027
8-Day High Andes and Chocó Birding Journey
8-Day High Andes and Chocó Birding Journey
Ecuador / Quito Private tour 8 days

Follow an eight-day birding circuit from Quito through high-Andean forest, Chocó cloud forest and lowland reserves, ending among Antisana�...

 Trinidad Birding Day Tour from Tobago
Trinidad Birding Day Tour from Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago / Tobago Private tour 12h

A full 12 hour Trinidad birding day from Tobago, combining Arima Valley / Asa Wright Nature Centre and an afternoon Caroni Swamp boat tour....

From USD 350
Bird Photography Tour of Trinidad and Tobago with Faraaz Abdool
Bird Photography Tour of Trinidad and Tobago with Faraaz Abdool
Trinidad and Tobago / Trinidad and Tobago Group tour

A January 2027 Trinidad and Tobago bird photography tour with Faraaz Abdool, focused on island specialties, tropical forest birds, wetland p...

 Trinidad and Tobago 10-Day Birding and Eco-Lodge Experience
Trinidad and Tobago 10-Day Birding and Eco-Lodge Experience
Trinidad and Tobago / Trinidad and Tobago Private tour 10 days

An on-request 10-day, two-island Trinidad and Tobago birding journey using eco-lodges and major birding hotspots from Caroni to Grande Rivie...

 Northern Ecuador Birding Paradise
Northern Ecuador Birding Paradise
Ecuador / Mindo Private tour 11 days

An 11-day private birding journey through Quito, Mindo, Choco cloud forest reserves, antpitta sites, Rio Silanche, Paz de las Aves, and Anti...