Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis)

Identification & Behavior: ~44.5 cm (17.5 in). The Oilbird has a nightjar-like appearance with a flattened, hooked, and powerful bill surrounded by rictal bristles. Its plumage is mainly reddish-brown with white spots. The underparts are cinnamon-buff spotted with white. Being nocturnal, the Oilbird day-roosts in caves.

Status: The Oilbird’s population abundance is difficult to assess as only a few day-roosting caves are known. It ranges along the humid eastern Andes at mid elevations (500 to 2000 m).  As frugivorous birds, Oilbirds undergo seasonal movements and appear in unexpected locations.

Name in Spanish: Guacharo.

Sub-species: Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) Humboldt, 1817.

Meaning of Name: Steatornis:  Gr. Steanos= Fat. Ornis: Gr. A bird. caripensis: After the Caripe Caverns, Cumana, Venezuela.

See more of the Family Steatornithidae