Oilbird
Steatornis caripensis
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Acerca de
A unique, nocturnal frugivore (40-49 cm, wingspan 95 cm) found in caves and gorges of northern South America and Trinidad. The only nocturnal flying frugivorous bird, navigating dark caves using echolocation clicks. Colonial breeder in large cave colonies, feeding on oil palm fruits.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Envergadura | 61,7 cm | 24.3 in |
| Peso | 414,0 g | 14.60 oz |
Identificación
Plumaje
Rich chestnut-brown overall; upperparts spotted and barred with black-bordered white spots; broad rounded wings with rufous-brown barring; large hooked bill; sexes identical; uniquely cave-dwelling fruit-eating nocturnal bird.
Habitat & Range
Distribución geográfica
Found from Trinidad and northern South America south through the Andes to Bolivia. Breeds in caves; forages at night over tropical forest.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate frugivore; the only nocturnal bird using echolocation to find food; feeds on oily palm and laurel fruits located by smell in cave darkness.
Estado de conservación
Comportamiento y reproducción
Nidificación
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 32-35 days. Fledging: 88-125 days.
Tamaño de la puesta
2-4
Sonido
Canto
Loud, harsh screaming and shrieking; metallic 'skrreee'; uses echolocation clicks in caves; colonial roost deafeningly loud; alarm a harsh raspy screech
Taxonomía
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Orden | Caprimulgiformes (Chotacabras y Vencejos) |
| Familia | Steatornithidae (Guácharo) |
| Genus | Steatornis |
| Especies | Steatornis caripensis |
Distribution
Oilbird has been recorded in 4 countries.
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