Discover Nature at JCU Animals Birds by scientific name Aegotheles cristatus

Aegotheles cristatus

owlet nightjar

(Australian owlet nightjar)

FAMILY

Aegothelidae

Species

Aegotheles cristatus

Common name

Australian owlet nightjar

Main colour

Grey to reddish-brown

Distinctive feature

Tail with fine blackish bars, black collar, size 21-24 cm

Campus

Townsville

Description

Another species heard but rarely seen, it has a grating voice. Upperparts usually grey with blackish markings on the head and a black colour but may be brownish. Underparts are a paler grey with brown and white bars. A few bristles rather than a plume around the bill. Legs and feet pink-grey, eyes brown, bill black. Photograph courtesy of Ian Montgomery, www.birdway.com.au