TopFamily
Aegothelidae
Genus
Aegotheles
Species
cristatus
Threats/Control Methods - Regional
Loss of nesting hollows poses a significant threat to the successful breeding of Owlet-Nightjars. These losses occur through land clearing for urban development, frequent fires and habitat degradation. Competition for the diminishing nest hollows occurs with other birds, such as the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis ) and the Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris ), and the Brush-tailed Possum (Trichosurus vulpecular).
Threats/Control Methods - Local
The removal of mature eucalypt trees from the suburbs is minimising the availability of suitable nesting hollows. Free roaming domestic Cats (Felis catus) may also hunt the young Owlet-nightjars in their nest.
Local/Urban Actions
The protection of remnant vegetation containing dead and mature trees with hollows is essential for maintaining Owlet-Nightjar populations. Cat owners can prevent their pets preying on the species by installing a cat run or enclosure.
Common Names
Australian Owlet-nightjar, Owlet-nightjar, Crested Owlet-nightjar
Distinguishing Features
The Owlet Nightjar has huge dark eyes when compared to its fairly small body. It has a very short neck and a tiny, flat bill.
Survey Techniques
Call and visual identification.
Species Call
A pleasant and repeated churring of 'quar-rr-rgh-a-kak' and also a sharp 'aeiiirk!'.
Similar Species
The similarly patterned White-throated Nightjar has a more slender body and smaller eyes.
TopDistribution
This species is found across most of Australia and its islands, and is also found in southern New Guinea.
Country of Origin
Australia
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional
Very few are sighted in the region, however it is likely they are underreported, as they are not an easy species to spot.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National
Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.
Associated vegetation community
The Owlet Nightjar survives across a diverse range of areas, including rainforest, eucalypt forest, woodland and other areas where tree hollows are present.
Limiting Resources
This species depends upon tree hollows for roosting during the day. It lives within its own set territory and may be limited if parts of this territoy are cleared. Areas without too much competition from other tree-hollow using species is preferable.
Breeding
The breeding season of the Owlet-Nightjar takes place from August to December. Birds find a suitable tree hollow, usually with a fairly narrow entrance and at any height. When hollows aren't available, a breeding pair may use a rock crevice or stump. 2-5 round, glossy white eggs are laid in the hollow and incubated by both parents for 28 days. Young birds are ready to leave the nest after 4 weeks of parental care.
Behaviour
The Owlet Nightjar is nocturnal, sleeping during the day in tree hollows. Its call is one of the most common sounds in the Australian bush at night. During the day it may be seen sitting at the entrance to its hollow, catching some sun. It is fairly shy and will take off to another tree hollow if it is disturbed.
Functional Group
Food Species
A range of insects are collected from the air or off the ground during the night.
Predators
Feral and domestic Cats (Felis catus) may predate this species, especially young birds in the nest.
Interesting Fact
The face of this species looks remarkably similar to a Sugar Glider's (Petaurus breviceps), especially when peering out of a tree hollow at night.
References - (reader suitability of references, P=Primary teachers, S=Secondary students, T=Tertiary students and researchers)
Books:Morcombe, M. 2000. Field Guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing. Archerfield. Australia P, S, T
Schodde, R. and Tideman, S. (eds) 1990. Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds (2nd Edition). Reader's Digest Services Pty Ltd. Sydney. P, S, T
Veerman, P. 2003. Canberra Birds: A report on the first 21 years of the garden bird survey. Philip Veerman and Canberra Ornithologists Group. Canberra. S, T
Internet: Birds in Backyards. 2006. [online]. Available at:http://www.birdsinbackyards.net P, S, T
Online Publications:Nix, H. and Cunningham, R. 2006. Birds of the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment, Canberra ACT. Prepared for the Life in the Suburbs project using data from the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment Ecological Survey (LSCCES). Australian National University. Canberra. [online]. Available at: http://www.lifeinthesuburbs.com.au/category.php?id=65 S, T
Olsen, P. et al. 2005. The State of Australia's Birds 2006: Invasive Species. Supplement to Wingspan 16:4. Birds Australia. [online]. Available at: http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/soab/SOAB2006.pdf S, T