Aegotheles (Aegotheles) cristatus
Australian Owlet-nightjar
©Citizen Science: Australian Owlet-nightjar
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Caprimulgiformes
Family
Aegothelidae
Genus
Aegotheles
Species
Aegotheles (Aegotheles) cristatus
Status
least concern
Colours
Distinguishing features
with grey upperparts and a white, barred front and a distinct dark and pale patterning on the head. In the north of Australia females can also have a rufous morph. The plumage is overall paler in desert populations. It is adapted to live in open woodland, with more pointed wings and larger feet, unlike most of the rest of the family that live in dense forest. (Wikipedia)
Size
- Up to 24 cm (Length of specimen)
Wingspan
- Wingspan data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It is found in open woodland across Australia and in southern New Guinea. (Wikipedia)
Chronotypes
nocturnal (active at night)
Diet
It feeds at night by diving from perches and snatching insects from the air, ground or off trunks and branches. It may also feed on the wing. It feeds on most insects, particularly beetles, grasshoppers and ants. (Wikipedia)
Web resources
References
- Simpson, K., N. Day and P. Trusler (2004). Field Guide to Birds of Australia: 7th Edition Penguin Group (Australia), Camberwell, Victoria.