The New Caledonian owlet-nightjar, also known as the enigmatic owlet-nightjar, is a large owlet-nightjar with vermiculated grey-brown and black plumage. It has a long, slightly rounded tail, short, rounded wings, and long, stout legs. Its voice is unknown, but other owlet-nightjar species make churring and whistling sounds. It is the second-largest known owlet-nightjar, much larger than the Australian owlet-nightjar.
Region
Melanesia (Southwest Pacific)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the main island of New Caledonia (Grande Terre), where it is associated with dense humid forests and forest edges. Historical specimens and modern unconfirmed reports suggest use of mature evergreen rainforest with abundant tree hollows for roosting. It likely forages in understory and on or near the ground, taking advantage of small clearings and stream margins. Because of extreme rarity, precise range and habitat preferences remain poorly documented.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known from only a handful of records and two 19th-century specimens, this enigmatic species may be critically endangered or possibly extinct. It is the second-largest owlet-nightjar, with notably long legs that suggest more terrestrial foraging than its relatives. Modern reports are sparse, with unconfirmed sightings in southern Grande Terre’s protected forests. Virtually nothing is known of its breeding biology or voice.
Illustration by Josep del Hoyo, 1992
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, agile sallies through understory
Social Behavior
Presumed largely solitary outside the breeding season. Likely roosts by day in tree cavities or dense vegetation, emerging at dusk to forage. By analogy with related owlet-nightjars, nesting is probably in cavities with a small clutch and biparental care, but specifics remain undocumented.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The voice is unknown. Related owlet-nightjars give soft churring, trills, and clear whistles, so it may produce similar nocturnal calls.
Plumage
Coarsely vermiculated grey-brown and black with mottled, barred patterning; underparts paler with diffuse mottling. Long, slightly rounded tail and short, rounded wings; face with fine bristles around a wide gape.
Diet
Primarily nocturnal insectivore presumed to take beetles, moths, crickets, and other arthropods. Likely hawks prey from low perches and also gleans from the ground or foliage, using its wide gape. The species’ relatively long legs suggest more frequent terrestrial foraging than other owlet-nightjars.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense humid forest, along edges, and near streams or small clearings where flying insects concentrate. Likely uses low perches in the understory and forages along the forest floor.
