Great Eared Nightjar

Overview

The great eared nightjar, Lyncornis macrotis, is a very large nightjar found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is the longest species in its family, ranging from 31 to 41 cm in length.

Identification

• Grey-brown, mottled, streaked and stripey plumage with a white throat band.
• Long barred wings and a barred tail, with no white on the wings or tail.
• Long ear-tufts that are often recumbent.
• Pointed wings, long tails, and short wide beaks that open to around 120°.
• Distinctive call consisting of a sharp tsiik followed by a pause and a two-syllable ba-haaww.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or moist lowland tropical forests. Its range covers South and Southeast Asia, including the Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, southwest China, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Did you know?

The genus name Lyncornis is a blend of the Ancient Greek for 'lynx' and 'bird', while the specific epithet macrotis translates to 'long-eared'.