The Steatornis caripensis (scientific name) or oilbird is a nocturnal bird found only in the forests of Northern South America. Also known as guacharo, it is 16-19 inches in length and most of its plumage is reddish brown with white spots on the wings and nape. The lower parts are cinnamon buff. The beak is powerfully hooked and flattened, and surrounded by 2 inches long rectal bristles. Its diet consists of fruits from the oil palms and tropical laurels. In fact, they are the only flying fruit-eating nocturnal birds. They look for food with the help of echolocation since they forage only at night. The clutch of the oilbird has 2-4 eggs which are incubated for about 32-35 days. Its IUCN listing is the LEAST CONCERN.
Oilbird
