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Oilbird

Steatornis caripensis

Least Concern
Envergadura
61,7 cm
Peso
414,0 g
Família
Steatornithidae
Ordem
Caprimulgiformes

Sobre

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

Identificação

Plumagem

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

Distribuição 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 conservação

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Comportamento e reprodução

Nidificação

Nest type: SC. Incubation: 32-35 days. Fledging: 88-125 days.

Tamanho da postura

2-4

Som

Canto

Loud, harsh screaming and shrieking; metallic 'skrreee'; uses echolocation clicks in caves; colonial roost deafeningly loud; alarm a harsh raspy screech

Taxonomia

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Ordem Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts)
Família Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
Genus Steatornis
Espécies Steatornis caripensis

Distribution

Oilbird has been recorded in 4 countries.

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Presente Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Perguntas frequentes

What does the Oilbird eat?
Obligate frugivore; the only nocturnal bird using echolocation to find food; feeds on oily palm and laurel fruits located by smell in cave darkness.
Where does the Oilbird live?
Found from Trinidad and northern South America south through the Andes to Bolivia. Breeds in caves; forages at night over tropical forest.
Is the Oilbird endangered?
The Oilbird has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Oilbird nest?
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 32-35 days. Fledging: 88-125 days.
What does the Oilbird sound like?
Loud, harsh screaming and shrieking; metallic 'skrreee'; uses echolocation clicks in caves; colonial roost deafeningly loud; alarm a harsh raspy screech
How big is the Oilbird?
The Oilbird has a wingspan of 61.7 cm, weight of 414.0 g.
What order and family does the Oilbird belong to?
The Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes and the family Steatornithidae.

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