Oilbird - Steatornis caripensis

Guacharo des cavernes

Oilbirdadult breeding
These weird birds are the subjects of many local superstitions. On Trinidad they are known as Diablotin . Oilbirds can navigate caves using a primitive form of echolocation. Despite their formidable looking beaks they are frugivores preferring Oil-palm Laurel fruits. Their small weak feet are of little use for perching so much of the fruit they eat is harvested whilst they hover.
Copy forbidden without prior authorization. © Steve Garvie

The species

Classification

Order  : Steatornithiformes
Family : Steatornithidae
Species : Oilbird


specie's pictures

by the author
all the pictures

The picture

O.Net ref. : stga48705
Author :
Plumage : adult, breeding

Shooting

date : 2006 May
Country : Trinidad and Tobago (td)
Region : County of Saint George
Place : Asa Wright Nature Centre Asa Wright Nature Centre
Lat. : 10° 43' 48'' North
Lng. : 61° 17' 53'' West

Exif Data [+] [-]

Model : Canon 1D mkII
Exposure : 1/15s s
aperture : f4
Focal length : 500 mm
Iso : 1600
Flash : no