Moluccan Owlet-nightjar
Aegotheles crinifrons
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About
A medium-sized owlet-nightjar (25-29 cm) endemic to the Moluccan Islands of Indonesia. Dark brown plumage with rufous tones and a prominent erectile crest. Nocturnal insectivore of forest and forest edge. Found on Halmahera, Bacan, and possibly other islands.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 32.9 cm | 13.0 in |
| Weight | 136.0 g | 4.80 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large; dark sooty-brown upperparts with grey-buff barring; underparts pale buff heavily barred dark brown; very dark facial markings; North Moluccan endemic and one of the largest owlet-nightjars with uniformly dark coloration.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the northern Moluccas of Indonesia. Resident in lowland and hill forest on Halmahera and adjacent islands.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly nocturnal; takes beetles, moths, and flying termites in sallying flight from a perch near tree hollows.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Loud, resonant churring; deep 'churr-churr' for an owlet-nightjar; calls from Halmahera forest at night; larger size reflected in lower pitch; alarm a harsh bark
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Aegothelidae |
| Genus | Aegotheles |
| Species | Aegotheles crinifrons |
Distribution
Moluccan Owlet-nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Moluccan Owlet-nightjar eat?
Where does the Moluccan Owlet-nightjar live?
Is the Moluccan Owlet-nightjar endangered?
What does the Moluccan Owlet-nightjar sound like?
How big is the Moluccan Owlet-nightjar?
What order and family does the Moluccan Owlet-nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Aegothelidae family