The Papuan nightjar or Papuan eared-nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family of Caprimulgidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the lowlands of New Guinea, favoring subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, riverine corridors, and mangrove forests. It also uses secondary growth and clearings adjacent to forest for foraging. Day roosts are typically on leaf litter, logs, or low horizontal branches where its mottled plumage provides excellent camouflage. The species is generally uncommon but can be locally more frequent in suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Papuan nightjar, also called the Papuan eared-nightjar, is a crepuscular and nocturnal insect-hawker that roosts cryptically on the ground or low branches by day. It has subtle but distinctive ear-like feather tufts and a wide, gaping mouth adapted for catching flying insects. Most activity occurs at dusk and early night over forest edges and mangroves. Its far-carrying, resonant calls are a hallmark of New Guinea’s lowland evenings.
Temperament
solitary and crepuscular-nocturnal
Flight Pattern
buoyant with long, shallow wingbeats; agile aerial hawker
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs; loosely tolerant of others in rich feeding areas. Nests directly on the ground or leaf litter without a built nest, typically laying a single egg. Both adults contribute to incubation and chick care, relying on camouflage to avoid detection.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of resonant hoots and churring notes delivered at dusk and through the night, often repeated in steady sequences. Calls carry far across open forest edges and mangroves.
