Ocellated Poorwill

The Ocellated Poorwill, a member of the nightjar family, is a nocturnal bird with a length of 20 to 21 cm (7.9 to 8.3 in). Exhibiting sexual dimorphism in weight, males range from 35 to 43 g (1.2 to 1.5 oz), while females are slightly lighter at 29 to 44 g (1.0 to 1.6 oz). This species comes in two color morphs: a brown variant with dark grayish-brown plumage peppered with blackish-brown wing spots and white belly spots, and a rufous morph that is paler and tinged with reddish-brown.

Identification Tips

The Ocellated Poorwill can be identified by its bold white throat band and the white spots on its belly that resemble eyes, hence its name. The outer tail feathers have narrow white tips, which are more pronounced in the nominate subspecies than in the smaller N. o. lautus.

Habitat

This bird favors lowland forests with open understories and small clearings, as well as dense secondary forests. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of 1,350 m (4,400 ft).

Distribution

The Ocellated Poorwill has a disjunct distribution across South and Central America, with populations in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

Behaviour

Nocturnal in nature, the Ocellated Poorwill forages by sallying from low perches to catch a variety of insects.

Song & calls

The male's song is a trilled 'preeeo' or 'prEEoo', while its call is a soft, guttural 'wah, wah, wah'.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary across its range, with two eggs typically laid directly on the ground or leaf litter, often under some cover. Both sexes share incubation duties.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Ocellated Poorwill as Least Concern, with a large range and population that is believed to be decreasing. Deforestation, particularly in Central America, poses a potential threat to the species.