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Australian Owlet-nightjar in its natural habitat
Common rarity

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Aegotheles cristatus

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RarityCommon
Height23 cm

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Did You Know?

3 Facts
1

"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

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Top Locations

Curated birding spots where the Australian Owlet-nightjar has been recorded.

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