Wallace's owlet-nightjar is a species of bird in the family Aegothelidae. It is found in New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in forested habitats across parts of New Guinea, primarily in lowland and hill rainforests. It frequents dense understory, forest edges, and secondary growth where cover is plentiful. Birds typically roost in tree holes, vine tangles, or dense vegetation by day, emerging at dusk to forage. It avoids extensive open country but may use small clearings and stream margins within forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after Alfred Russel Wallace, this elusive nocturnal bird belongs to the owlet-nightjar family Aegothelidae. It roosts by day in tree cavities or dense foliage and becomes active at dusk to hunt flying insects. Its cryptic, mottled plumage provides excellent camouflage against bark and leaf litter. Like other owlet-nightjars, it has prominent facial bristles that help detect prey in low light.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low-level dashes
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs. Roosts by day in cavities or dense cover and becomes active around dusk. Nesting is presumed in natural tree holes, with pairs likely forming during the breeding season to defend a small territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are given mostly at night and include soft, repetitive whistles and trills. Calls may accelerate or descend in pitch and can be hard to locate due to ventriloquial qualities.
