Meet The Bird That Looks Like Baby Dragon: Great-Eared Nightjar

Great-eared nightjar.Photo byAnimalia.

In the forests of Southeast Asia, a creature that seems plucked from a fantasy world thrives under the cover of night. Known as the great-eared nightjar, they have developed several incredible abilities to outsmart their predators. This unusual bird calls places like Thailand and Vietnam home, captivating those lucky enough to spot it with its mysterious appearance.

With its tufted ears, large eyes, and a silhouette that resembles a cross between an owl, a hawk, and even a dragon, the great-eared nightjar has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most enchanting birds in the region.

Though small in stature, this bird is packed with fascinating adaptations that make it a survival expert. From its remarkable camouflage abilities to its exceptional night vision, the great-eared nightjar is a master of evading predators, making it one of the most elusive creatures in the wild.

A Closer Look at the Great-Eared Nightjar

First documented in 1831 by Irish zoologist, the great-eared nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) earned its name for a practical reason. They were observed flying at night (hence “night”) and their eerie calls were said to be jarring, thus "jar."

Their distinctive call, a haunting whistle followed by a drawn-out “tsiik-ba-haaww,” may give some people chills, but their appearance is anything but frightening. Weighing just over five ounces, these birds have a wingspan of about sixteen inches, making them relatively small yet striking in appearance.

While nightjars as a species can be found across Europe, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas, the great-eared nightjar is native to Southeast Asia. They inhabit forests in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of India. Despite their widespread distribution, these birds face a variety of predators, including foxes, crows, snakes, and owls.

Superpowers of the Nightjar: Camouflage and Night Vision

Great-eared nightjars have developed several incredible abilities to outsmart their predators. One of their greatest strengths lies in their night vision. As primarily nocturnal creatures, they rely on their vision to navigate the dark, and they’re well-equipped for the task.

Similar to animals like cats and crocodiles, nightjars possess a special tissue in their eyes called tapetum lucidum. This layer reflects light through the retina, significantly enhancing their ability to see in low-light conditions. This evolutionary trait allows them to fly safely at night, steering clear of predators that are active during the day.

In addition to their superior night vision, great-eared nightjars are masters of disguise. Their mottled brown and grey plumage blends perfectly with the forest floor, making them nearly invisible while they nest.

These birds lay their eggs directly on the ground, depending on their camouflage to protect the nest. Remarkably, nightjars appear to possess an innate understanding of their surroundings, choosing nesting sites that best complement their unique markings.

As lead researcher Martin Stevens from Project Nightjar explained, “It could be that somehow they ‘know’ what they look like and act accordingly… They may look at themselves, their eggs, and the background and judge whether it’s a good place to nest.”

In addition to their camouflage, great-eared nightjars are almost always on the move. These agile birds spend much of their time in flight, catching moths, beetles, and other insects on the wing. They even drink on the go, skimming the surface of lakes and ponds to scoop up water while in flight.

Legends and Lore

While the great-eared nightjar is admired for its strange beauty and stealthy nature, the bird has also inspired eerie folklore in cultures worldwide. The satanic nightjar (Eurostopodus diabolicus), a close relative found in Indonesia, has an especially chilling reputation due to its unsettling call.

Some locals believe its cry resembles the sound of plucking out someone’s eyes—adding a layer of mystique and fear around these creatures.

European poets of the 18th and 19th centuries even called them “lich fowle” or “corpse birds” due to their nocturnal habits and eerie calls, linking them with death and the supernatural.

But despite these chilling associations, nightjars pose no threat to humans. Their main concerns are protecting their nests and catching insects to eat. With their otherworldly appearance and silent, ghost-like flight, the great-eared nightjar and its kin remain more of a fascination than a fearsome presence.

Conclusion

If you ever find yourself exploring the forests of Southeast Asia, keep an eye—or ear—out for the great-eared nightjar. While their elusive nature and expert camouflage make them hard to spot, their distinct call may be your best chance at detecting them.

These tiny, dragon-like birds may not have fire-breathing abilities, but their survival skills and ethereal presence have cemented their place as one of nature’s most captivating creatures.