RarityCommon
Height23 cm
Seen a Australian Owlet-nightjar?
Create a free account to record your sightings and build your life list.
Bird Gallery
1 / 6
Bird Calls
3 recordings of the Australian Owlet-nightjar
Did You Know?
3 Facts1
"Despite their owl-like appearance, Owlet-nightjars are more closely related to nightjars and frogmouths than to true owls."
Field Guide
Australian Owlet-nightjar
4 sections
The Australian Owlet-nightjar is Australia’s smallest nocturnal bird, recognised by its large, dark eyes that do not reflect light in a torch beam-unlike most other night birds. This species comes in two main colour forms: a more common grey and a rufous (russet-brown) morph, with females more often showing rufous tones, especially in Northern Australia.
Distribution Map
Tap to enlarge
Top Locations
Curated birding spots where the Australian Owlet-nightjar has been recorded.
- Blue Gum Hills Regional park🔥 ActiveNew South Wales · 12 species · 13 sightings · seen 14 days ago
- Kianinny Bush Cottages🔥 ActiveNew South Wales · 1 species · seen 5 days ago
- Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk🔥 ActiveQueensland · 63 species · 173 sightings · seen 13 days ago
- Babbler CampsiteSouth Australia
- Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk (Kakadu NP)Northern Territory
Track Your Sightings
Download Wingmate to log birds you spot and build your personal collection