The great eared nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in southwest India and in parts of Southeast Asia. This very large nightjar has long barred wings, a barred tail and long ear-tufts which are often recumbent. It has a white throat band but has no white on its wings or on its tail.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occupies evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, forest edges, and clearings from the Western Ghats of India through Myanmar and Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. Prefers dense understorey with nearby open lanes, rivers, or tracks for foraging flights. Uses bamboo thickets, secondary growth, and forest roadsides at dusk and night. Roosts on the forest floor or low perches where its cryptic plumage blends with leaf litter. Nests directly on bare ground in shaded forest settings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The great eared nightjar is one of the largest nightjars and is easily recognized by its long ear-tufts and bold white throat band. It roosts on the ground by day, relying on superb camouflage among leaf litter. Unlike many birds, it lays a single egg directly on the ground without building a nest. At dusk it gives deep, resonant hoots while hawking insects along forest edges and streams.
Temperament
secretive and mostly solitary
Flight Pattern
buoyant with strong, silent wingbeats and low glides
Social Behavior
Typically roosts alone or in pairs and becomes active at dusk. Courtship and territorial displays occur at twilight, often accompanied by vocalizations and short display flights. Nests are simple scrapes on the forest floor where a single egg is laid; both parents attend the chick and rely on camouflage to avoid detection.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant hoots and booming notes at dusk and night, often in a repeated series. Also emits soft croaks and woofs during close interactions and displays.
