Australian owlet-nightjar

The Australian owlet-nightjar is a nocturnal bird found in open woodland across Australia and in southern New Guinea. It is colloquially known as the moth owl. It is the most common nocturnal bird in Australia. Despite suffering from predation and competition by introduced species it is not considered threatened.

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Distribution

Region

Australia and southern New Guinea

Typical Environment

Occurs across most of mainland Australia, from arid interior scrub to temperate woodlands and coastal heaths, and extends into southern New Guinea. Favors open eucalypt woodland, mallee, mulga, savanna, and even urban parks with suitable roost cavities. By day it conceals itself in tree hollows, termite mounds, or rocky crevices, emerging at dusk to feed along edges and clearings. It adapts well to fragmented habitats as long as roost sites remain available.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Other

Characteristics

Size20–25 cm

Wing Span30–36 cm

Male Weight0.05 kg

Female Weight0.06 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the moth owl, the Australian owlet-nightjar is the most common nocturnal bird in Australia. It roosts by day in tree hollows or rock crevices and becomes active at dusk to hunt flying insects. It uses a wide gape and whisker-like bristles to snatch moths and beetles on the wing. Despite pressures from habitat change and introduced predators, it remains widespread and not considered threatened.

Gallery

Australian owlet-nightjar mainly nests in tree hollows.

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and crepuscular-nocturnal

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with agile, erratic sallies

Social Behavior

Mostly solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests in natural tree hollows or cavities, often reusing favored sites. Clutch size is small, and both parents participate in incubation and care. Roost fidelity is high, with birds returning to the same shelter by day.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Calls include a soft, repetitive trilling or churring series and clearer whistled notes, often given at dusk and during calm nights. Contact calls can be sharp ticks or chirps, carrying well through open woodland.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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