From Opus

Nyctibius jamaicensis

Photo by Buteo_ridgwayii
Photo taken: Rabo de Gato Trail in Puerto Escondido, Dominican Republic

Identification

38-46cm. Long tail, short rounded wings, large head, very short legs and a small bill with a large gape, grey-brown with a pattern of black, grey and cream markings. Pale cheeks with a dark malar stripe. Yellow iris which can shine red in light at night. The bird's calls are hoarse and guttural.

Distribution

Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica and Hispaniola.

Taxonomy

Habitat

Lowland woodland and scrubland.

Behaviour

Diet includes large insects such as moths or beetles. It hunts from a perch, sitting and waiting for prey then sallying out to catch it in flight.

1 egg is laid on a broken branch with no nest material used. Both parents are involved in incubating the egg and feeding the young bird.

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