Archbold's nightjar, also known as the mountain eared-nightjar or cloud-forest nightjar, is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in the highlands of New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is named after American explorer Richard Archbold.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occupies subtropical to tropical moist montane and cloud forests, favoring edges, gaps, and ridgelines within the highland belt. Often uses secondary growth, mossy forest, and forest clearings created by landslides or tracks. Roosts on leaf litter or horizontal branches where its mottled pattern provides camouflage. Forages over forest edges, along streams, and above canopy gaps where flying insects concentrate.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for American explorer Richard Archbold, this elusive nightjar inhabits the cloud-forested highlands of New Guinea. It is crepuscular to nocturnal and is far more often detected by its distinctive calls than seen, thanks to exceptionally cryptic plumage. As an eared-nightjar, it shows small ear-like feather tufts and typically roosts motionless on the ground or low branches during the day.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
buoyant, silent flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests directly on the ground on leaf litter, laying a single egg with minimal or no nest structure. Adults rely on camouflage and remain motionless when approached; both parents may participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, ringing whistles and trills delivered at dusk and during the night, often repeated at steady intervals. Calls carry along ridgelines and forest edges and are the primary means of detecting the species.
Plumage
Heavily mottled and vermiculated brown, grey, and rufous with fine barring that blends into leaf litter and bark. Feathers appear shaggy with small ear-like tufts. Subtle pale collar and contrasting throat area are typical.
Diet
Feeds mainly on flying insects such as moths, beetles, and other nocturnal arthropods. Hunts by aerial hawking, sallying from low perches or patrolling along edges and gaps. Will also take insects flushed by wind or rain along ridgelines. The wide gape helps sweep up prey in low-light conditions.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, over clearings, and above streams or tracks where insects concentrate. Often hunts just above the canopy or along open ridges in montane forest.
