/
Smallest Australian nocturnal bird, primarily gray-brown with large eyes, relatively long tail, and
Not listed
Indigenous: Yirrin
At a glance
FamilyOwlet-nightjars
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatTimbered edges, open forest, suburban gardens with mature trees, and lightly wooded scrub.
Best timeReported across most months in New South Wales, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
5997visible hotspots
49552visible records
6states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
It is colloquially known as the moth owl or fairy owl and Jarlajirrpi by the Warlpiri people.
Behavior
Best judged by silhouette, wing shape, and hunting style overhead or from exposed perches rather than by plumage alone.
Gallery