About Oilbird

Overview

Steatornithiformes contains a single species, the Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) of the northern South American tropics. Unusual among nightbirds, it is a colony-nesting cave dweller that navigates by echolocation-like clicks and feeds on the fruit of palms and laurels at night. Its chicks were historically harvested for oil, giving the bird its name. It is the only nocturnal frugivorous bird and a flagship for cave conservation.

Classification

The order Oilbird (Latin: STEATORNITHIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 1 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Steatornithiformes contains a single species, the Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) of the northern South American tropics.

Notable Families

Oilbird and others.