The barred owlet-nightjar is a species of bird in the owlet-nightjar family Aegothelidae. It is found in New Guinea. The species was originally thought to be the same species as the Australian owlet-nightjar, until that species was found within the range of the barred owlet-nightjar. It was also considered to be the same species as the Vogelkop owlet-nightjar. There are three subspecies, the nominate, from south-eastern New Guinea, A. b. wiedenfeldi from northern New Guinea, and A. b. plumifer from the D'Entrecasteaux Islands.
Region
New Guinea and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across New Guinea, including northern and southeastern lowlands and foothills, and the D’Entrecasteaux Islands. Favors forest edges, secondary growth, mangroves, and open woodland with scattered trees. Often near clearings and along streams where open flight lanes aid foraging. By day it typically roosts concealed in natural tree cavities or dense foliage.
Altitude Range
0–1900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The barred owlet-nightjar is a small, nocturnal insect-eater endemic to New Guinea, often roosting by day in tree hollows. Its heavy barring and pale eyebrow give it a subtly owl-like face, though it is neither an owl nor a true nightjar. It was once confused with the Australian owlet-nightjar and the Vogelkop owlet-nightjar but is now recognized as distinct, with several subspecies across New Guinea. It hunts by sallying from perches to snatch moths and other insects in low, agile flights.
Temperament
secretive and nocturnal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low sallying flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests in natural cavities or rotting stumps, with minimal nest material. Clutches are typically small, and both parents are thought to share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Roost sites may be reused across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft but far-carrying trills, repeated whistles, and short series of notes delivered at night. Calls often begin at dusk, with relaxed sequences that can accelerate during territorial interactions.
Plumage
Cryptic mottled brown and grey with strong dark barring across the body and tail; fine speckling on the crown and back. Soft, loose-textured plumage with a pale throat and diffuse facial disk.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, and orthopterans. Hunts from low to mid-level perches, sallying out to capture prey in short bursts. Will also glean insects from foliage and trunks near perches. Rictal bristles likely aid in detecting and funneling prey to the mouth during flight.
Preferred Environment
Most active along forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors where open spaces are interspersed with perches. Forages beneath the canopy and along ecotones between dense forest and more open habitats.
