Moluccan Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles crinifrons Scientific name definitions

c. 29 cm; 105–167 g (1 Pratt, T.K. (2000). Evidence for a previously unrecognized species of owlet-nightjar. Auk. 117(1): 1-11. Close ). Large owlet-nightjar and the only Aegotheles within its limited range. Upperparts finely vermiculated greyish brown, or black and buff, sometimes with fine white lines (1 Pratt, T.K. (2000). Evidence for a previously unrecognized species of owlet-nightjar. Auk. 117(1): 1-11. Close ); underparts paler, variably spotted dark; lacks hindneck-collar and any white in wings or tail, except a few neat spots on wing-coverts (and scapulars). Apparently has brown morph and rufous morph with intermediates, as in A. insignis; rufous morph less patterned, and more rufous above and on breast. Sexes apparently alike, although female perhaps tends to be larger (mean wing 171·3 mm, tail 144·3 mm, versus 165·3 mm and 139·6 mm, respectively, in male) (1 Pratt, T.K. (2000). Evidence for a previously unrecognized species of owlet-nightjar. Auk. 117(1): 1-11. Close ). Juvenile apparently plain rufous, without any vermiculations (2 Holyoak, D. T. (2001). Nightjars and Their Allies: The Caprimulgiformes. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. Close ).

Halmahera, Kasiruta and Bacan, in N Moluccas.

Lowland and hill forests ; also tall secondary forests, forest edge and occasionally lightly wooded cultivation and coconut plantations. Recorded from sea-level up to 1800 m on Bacan and 1250 m on Halmahera (2 Holyoak, D. T. (2001). Nightjars and Their Allies: The Caprimulgiformes. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. Close ).

Presumably sedentary, but scanty information available.

Small insects. Feeds by sallying for small aerial insects from perches in middle storey (returning to same one) (2 Holyoak, D. T. (2001). Nightjars and Their Allies: The Caprimulgiformes. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. Close ); also by hover-gleaning from leaves.

Recently described for first time. Wide variety of manic screams and cackles. Most frequent call, apparently used as territorial song, is a moderately weak, upslurred squeal or scream immediately followed by three short unhurried screams  on same pitch, the whole lasting c. 1·5 seconds (2 Holyoak, D. T. (2001). Nightjars and Their Allies: The Caprimulgiformes. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. Close ); other birds may respond with louder or more hurried versions (2–3 individuals regularly perch in close proximity) (2 Holyoak, D. T. (2001). Nightjars and Their Allies: The Caprimulgiformes. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. Close ). Alarm described as a series of wild, maniacal, blood-curdling screams and a cat-like yowling call.

No information available, although usually seen singly or in pairs, and occasional groups of 3–5 birds may constitute family parties (2 Holyoak, D. T. (2001). Nightjars and Their Allies: The Caprimulgiformes. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. Close ).

Not globally threatened. Restricted-range species: present in Northern Maluku EBA. Known from few specimens. Little information, although species was found in 1994 on the site of the proposed Halmahera National Park, and was recently described as common on this island. Also known to occur at Mt Sibela, Bacan.