Oilbird

Steatornis caripensis

The oilbird is a nocturnal fruit-eating bird of northern South America. It roosts and breeds in cave colonies, then flies into forest at night.

Key facts

Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) is a herbivore animal classified as Bird · Steatornithiformes · Steatornithidae.
Primary habitats are forest, with a range across Neotropical.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is colony, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The oilbird is a nocturnal fruit-eating bird of northern South America.
It depends on tropical forest near dark caves or rock cavities.
Typical lifespan: 8-25 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It depends on tropical forest near dark caves or rock cavities. Secure dark spaces are essential for daytime roosting and breeding.

Wingspan is about 95-105 cm and weight about 350-475 g. Large eyes, a wide mouth, long wings, and brown plumage with pale spots are typical.

Nocturnal birds use clicking sounds inside caves to navigate. At night they range widely over forest in search of fruit.

It is herbivorous, feeding mainly on oily palm and other fruits. Fruits are swallowed whole, making the bird a seed disperser.

It nests on ledges or rock surfaces inside caves within colonies. Chicks are fed fruit-rich meals and build fat as they grow.

Its status is listed as Least Concern. It requires both fruiting forest and undisturbed caves.