About Owlet-nightjars

Overview

Aegotheles, the owlet-nightjars, form a single family (Aegothelidae) of ten small, nocturnal insectivores from the forests of New Guinea, Australia and the Moluccas. They combine owl-like facial discs with nightjar habits, nesting in tree hollows and feeding on insects caught in flight or gleaned. They are among the least-known nocturnal birds of the Australasian region.

Classification

The order Owlet-nightjars (Latin: AEGOTHELIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 10 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Aegotheles, the owlet-nightjars, form a single family (Aegothelidae) of ten small, nocturnal insectivores from the forests of New Guinea, Australia and the Moluccas.

Notable Families

Owlet-nightjars and others.