CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Aegothelidae

Aegotheles cristatus  

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)
click photo for larger image
© Vik Dunis 2009
Banyule Flats Reserve, VIC (Dec, 2009)

I watched this Australian Owlet-nightjar for two hours during which time it seemed to take minimal notice of dozens of people who passed on foot and bicycle, some with dogs, across a noisy wooden footbridge which brought them within five metres of the bird.

Originally it was sitting and snoozing at the back of the hole but as the afternoon matured, it edged out of the entrance and seemed to be enjoying the sun.

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar