Bird lovers are often fascinated by species that stand out. Strange. A bit mysterious. And the Great Eared Nightjar? Easily one of the most unusual birds you’ll ever stumble upon. With its bat-like wings, long ear tufts, and haunting calls, it often leaves people asking, “What exactly is this creature?” And some even ask, “Can you have a great eared nightjar as a pet?” or “What does the baby dragon sound like?” Well, let’s answer those. Here are 10 surprising facts about this rare bird—facts that prove it’s more than just an internet myth.
1. What Is the Great Eared Nightjar?
The Great Eared Nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis). It is one of the most mysterious species. It is part of the nightjar family. They are active at night and live in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Unlike other nightjars, this one wears “ears.” Obviously, these aren’t actual ears. Long, feather tufts that stick up and give it that eerie, almost mythical face. It’s often called the strangest night bird by birdwatchers. Some even compare it to folklore monsters or fantasy beasts. Honestly? Not far off.
2. Size and Appearance
Let’s talk numbers. The Great Eared Nightjar is one of the biggest nightjars. It is 30 to 40 cm long and has a wingspan of almost 60 cm. It blends in with the forest floor because its feathers are brown and grey, making it feel almost magical to see. It’s almost impossible to see on the ground of the forest.. Walk by it in daylight and you’ll swear there’s nothing there. But there is. It’s watching.
3. The Sound: Eerie, Haunting, Beautiful
When you finally hear the baby dragon sound—prepare to be unsettled. It’s not chirping. Not singing. More like a low, haunting whistle drifting through the night. Many people try to capture a great ear nightjar sound recording, and once you hear it? You don’t forget. Strange. Lonely. Almost ghostly. No wonder local myths grew around it.
4. Lifespan in the Wild
These Nightjars usually live around 12–16 years. Not bad for a bird that lives quietly in the forest shadows. Unlike parrots or cockatoos, it doesn’t thrive in cages or homes. This is a creature meant to hunt, to glide, and to vanish into trees. Which is exactly why it survives so long in the wild.
5. Habitat and Range
Dense tropical forests. Subtropical valleys. That’s where you’ll find it. The great-eared nightjar avoids humans whenever possible. Instead, it hides during the day, only revealing itself when the sun dips. You’re far more likely to hear its whistle than see the bird itself.
6. Feeding Habits
This bird doesn’t waste energy. It hunts smart. Flying silently, it scoops up moths, beetles, and termites mid-air. Its mouth? Wide like a net. Its flight? Effortless. Watching a nightjar hunt is like seeing a shadow come alive for a few seconds… then vanish.
7. Silent Wings—The Predator’s Secret
Ever seen a big bird flap loudly overhead? The Great Eared Nightjar isn’t like that. Its nightjar wings are designed for stealth. Silent. Smooth. Predators don’t hear it. Neither do insects. Its silence gives it a big advantage as a skilled nocturnal predator.
8. Can You Own a Great Eared Nightjar?
Here’s the big question: Can you own an Eared Nightjar?
Nope. Not legally. Not ethically either. This is a wild bird, protected in many countries. Trying to keep one would stress it and probably kill it. Its needs are too specific—wide hunting grounds, perfect camouflage, quiet forests. So, if you’re wondering, “Is it legal to own a Great Eared Nightjar?”—the answer’s clear. It’s not. Enjoy seeing them in the wild, not locking them up and decorating the cage.
9. Folklore and Myths
The great eared nightjar has long been wrapped in an air of mystery. Locals call it a spirit bird. A symbol of night. Some folks hear its call and think it’s a bad omen. Others? They believe it’s magical, maybe even sacred. And honestly, look at it. That face. Those tufts. That voice. Who wouldn’t think it crawled out from some old legend? It doesn’t just look like a bird—it looks like a story.
10. Conservation and Protection
Right now, the nightjar isn’t endangered. Good news, right? But don’t relax too quickly. The forests it calls home keep getting chopped down. Each fallen tree takes away a place of shelter. One less nest spot. One less hunting ground. And little by little, that adds up. So yeah, it’s still out there, flying quietly. But if we want the great-eared nightjar to stick around? We need to keep the forests as well. Simple as that.
Conclusion
You don’t see the Great Eared Nightjar every day. Nope. It’s a mystery that has feathers on it. It is well-known in folklore for its ghostly whistle and large wingspan. It is studied by scientists. People who like to watch birds chase it. People who see this bird always remember it. First of all, it looks very different. If you hear a strange whistle at night while walking in a Southeast Asian forest, stay calm. This strange bird is probably all there is to it. Finally, it quietly glides above you, always watching you.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Q1: Can you see the Great Eared Nightjar outside Asia?
Nope. They’re native to Southeast Asia. If you hear someone spotting one in another place, it’s probably a mix-up with a similar bird.
Q2: Do they build nests?
Not really. Rather, they lay their eggs straight on the ground. And they don’t build a nest at all. At first, it sounds risky. But then, with all the camo leaves around, it actually works.
Q3: How fast can a baby dragon fly?
Nobody pinned down exact numbers yet. But trust me, when it glides? It covers big ground really fast.
Q4: Are The Great Eared Nightjars related to owls?
Nah. They might fool you with those owlish faces. But family-wise? Totally different.
Q5: Why do they have ear tufts?
They’re just feathers, not ears. The tufts break up its outline and help it vanish in the woods. Kind of like nature’s own invisibility trick.
