The starry owlet-nightjar, also known as the spangled owlet-nightjar, is a species of bird in the family Aegothelidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests of New Guinea, including primary rainforest and well-wooded secondary growth. It favors dense understory, vine tangles, and forest edges where it can roost concealed by day. Riverine forest and swamp-forest mosaics are also used, especially where insect prey is abundant. It typically keeps to shaded interior or edge habitats and is seldom seen in open country. Roosting often takes place in tree cavities, palm crowns, or dense epiphyte clumps.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive, nocturnal owlet-nightjar of New Guinea, the starry (spangled) owlet-nightjar is named for the fine white speckles that give it a star-like appearance. It roosts by day in cavities or dense tangles and emerges at dusk to hunt insects with quick, agile sallies. Much of its ecology remains poorly known due to its elusive habits. Ongoing lowland forest loss and fragmentation are likely pressures on local populations.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting sallies
Social Behavior
Mostly encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. It nests in natural cavities, such as tree hollows or palm crowns, with a small clutch and minimal nest material. Pairs are likely monogamous and defend a territory around nesting and roosting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, repetitive whistles and trills delivered at dusk and during the night. Notes often rise and fall in a bouncing cadence, carrying surprisingly far in still forest air. Calls can be sporadic and are the best way to detect the species.
Plumage
Finely spangled and mottled with white speckles over dark brown to grey-brown plumage, giving a starry effect. Soft, loose-textured feathers aid silent flight, with subtle barring on wings and tail. The face shows a shallow facial disk with fine filoplumes.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nocturnal and crepuscular insects such as moths, beetles, and orthopterans, and may also take spiders and other small arthropods. It hunts by perch-and-sally, launching short, rapid flights to snatch prey from the air or off foliage. Foraging is typically low to mid-level in the forest strata, using cover for concealment. The wide gape and short, broad bill are adapted to catching flying insects efficiently.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, light gaps, and along streams and trails where insect activity concentrates. Also uses the interior of dense lowland rainforest, especially near clearings or understorey openings.
