FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The great eared nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) is a kind of nocturnal bird found in southeast Asia. They belong to the family Caprimulgidae. This bird has five subspecies categorized under it: Lyncornis macrotis macrotis, Lyncornis macrotis cerviniceps, Lyncornis macrotis bourdilloni, Lyncornis macrotis jacobsoni, and Lyncornis macrotis macropterus.
These nightjars have tufts of feathers on their head in such a way that it looks like they have ears. The geographic range of the five subspecies of Lyncornis macrotis varies. However, their habitat type is common and includes forests, scrublands, or grasslands. The breeding season is different in different locations. Their clutch size is one egg and the egg is incubated by both parents. These birds are fairly common in their range and their population seems to be under no threat of endangerment. They feed on insects and are capable of catching their prey while in flight. Their calls are also quite distinct and act as a tool for identifying these birds.
To learn more about the great eared nightjar, keep reading! For more relatable content, check out these nightingale facts and night heron facts for kids.
The great eared nightjar, with the scientific name Lyncornis macrotis is a species of nocturnal bird, with a wide population and geographic range.
The great eared nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) belongs to the class Aves. Their order, family, and genus are Caprimulgiformes, Caprimulgidae, and Lyncornis, respectively.
The exact population of this bird species is not known. However, they have a stable trend in population and are reported to be common in their range.
The range of great eared nightjars (Lyncornis macrotis) includes several parts of southeast Asia. The distribution of this species varies for each subspecies. In general, these birds can be commonly seen in countries like Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand to name a few.
The habitat of this species primarily comprises forests, scrublands, and grasslands. They can also be found in the forest edges and clearings. Generally, they live near rivers in such areas. Additionally, their habitat features tropical or sub-tropical climates.
The birds of the nightjar family are solitary in nature. The same can be assumed about the great eared nightjars. However, they do come together for breeding and incubating their eggs.
The exact lifespan of the great eared nightjar bird is not known. However, the lifespan of the European nightjar is 12 years. Since both belong to the same family, it can be ascertained that great eared nightjars have a similar life expectancy.
The breeding season varies for this species based on their locations. For example, in southern India, the breeding season for this bird is from January to May. Females are known to lay only one egg. The egg is elliptical in shape and incubated by both parents.
The conservation status of the great eared nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) is marked as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN. This bird species has no known threats and appears to be fairly common.
The great eared nightjar or Lyncornis macrotis is a species with quite a distinct look. These birds have brown upper parts which appear speckled and spotted. These speckles and spots are grayish-white, cinnamon, or buff in color. The underparts have buff-toned plumage with brown barred markings. Another interesting feature of this species is the tuft of feathers on their head, resembling ears. The coloration of the plumage varies depending on the subspecies.
*Please note that this is an image of a European nightjar, belonging to the same family Caprimulgidae as the great eared nightjars. If you have an image of a great eared nightjar please let us know at [email protected]
Just like lyrebirds, great eared nightjars are extremely cute birds. This species, along with all its subspecies, namely Lyncornis macrotis bourdilloni, Lyncornis macrotis jacobsoni, Lyncornis macrotis cerviniceps, and the rest, are all attractive birds with certain differences.
These birds of the order Caprimulgiformes, communicate mainly through vocalizations. The call of a Lyncornis macrotis bird sounds like a whistle resembling the 'put-wee-oo' sound. Another kind of call is a sharp 'tsik' note, which is followed up with a 'ba-haaww' tone.
The length of a great eared nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) bird is between 12.2-15.7 in (31–40 cm). These birds are quite larger than other species of eared nightjar of the same order Caprimulgiformes and family Caprimulgidae, known as the spotted nightjar, measuring between 9.8-11 in (25–28 cm).
The great eared nightjar has strong wings, so it can be assumed they have a fast flight as well. Additionally, they capture their prey while in flight, which further proves their efficiency. Their flight is described as being silent and gliding.
The weight of a great eared nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) is between 4.4-5.3 oz (125–151 g). They are way bulkier than an ovenbird.
The male and female birds of this species are known as male great eared nightjars and female great eared nightjars, respectively.
A baby great eared nightjar is known as a chick.
This bird is carnivorous in nature and feeds on different insects. Common insects in its diet are moths, termites, and beetles.
There is no known information about this bird species being dangerous to humans.
Unlike parrots, this bird is not commonly seen as a pet. Given their nocturnal nature and eating habits, they are better suited to living in the wild.
A synonym for the scientific name Lyncornis macrotis of the great eared nightjar is Eurostopodus mindanensis.
The range of the great eared nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) varies depending on the subspecies. Lyncornis macrotis cerviniceps can be found in Bangladesh, northeastern India, parts of China, and so on. For the subspecies Lyncornis macrotis bourdilloni, the natural geographic range is southwestern India. Lyncornis macrotis jacobsoni is found on Simeulue Island. The range of Lyncornis macrotis macrotis includes parts of the Philippines. Lastly, for the subspecies Lyncornis macrotis macropterus, the distribution range is Talaud Islands, Sula Islands, and so on.
The great eared nightjar call is quite distinct and can be used to identify them. During flight or when perched, they give out a whistled 'put-wee-oo' sound. They also produce a sharp 'tsik' and then a 'ba-haaww' tone after a short pause. These birds become quite vocal during the breeding season.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these ivory-billed woodpecker facts and belted kingfisher facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Great eared nightjar coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.