Long-whiskered owlet-nightjar

Aegotheles crinifrons

Photo by Ong Kiem Sian (Oriental Bird Images)

Common name:
long-whiskered owlet-nightjar (en); noitibó-coruja-das-Molucas (pt); égothèle des Moluques (fr); egotelo moluqueño (es); Molukkenschwalm (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Caprimulgiformes
Family Aegothelidae

Range:
This species is endemic to the Mollucas Islands, in Indonesia, being found in North Maluku, Halmahera, Kasiruta and Bacan.

Size:
These birds are 27-31 cm long and weigh 105-170 g.

Habitat:
These birds are found in moist tropical forests and plantations, from sea level up to an altitude of 1.800 m.

Diet:
They feed on insects and other small arthropods.

Breeding:
Long-whiskered owlet-nightjars nest in tree hollows. The female lays 2-5 eggs which are incubated by both parents for about 4 weeks. The chicks fledge 3-5 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a relatively large breeding range and is reported to be common on Halmahera. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.