Home › Aves › Steatornithidae › Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis)
SPECIES PROFILE
Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis)
Steatornis
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Northern South America
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Caves by day, forest by night
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Caprimulgiformes
FAMILY
Steatornithidae
GENUS
Steatornis
📋 Description
SIZE
Up to 49 cm long
COLORATION
Rich chestnut with white spots
ADAPTATIONS
Uses echolocation to fly in total darkness
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Caves by day, forest by night
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Northern South America
REPRODUCTION
2-4 eggs on cave ledges
DIET DETAILS
Oily fruits of palms and laurels
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Cave disturbance
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The only nocturnal fruit-eating bird, and one of the few birds that navigates by echolocation.
2
Venezuela's Cueva del Guacharo holds a colony of tens of thousands.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Cueva del Guacharo
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Visit the famous Guacharo Cave at dusk with a guide as thousands of oilbirds leave to feed.
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