Often referred to as the 'dragon baby', the great-eared nightjar lives on the forest floor, remaining stationary during the day to avoid predators. (Photo credit: NABA CHOUDHURY/Shutterstock (left) and Dominic Robinson/Alamy Stock Photo (right))
With its large, forward-facing eyes and tufts of hair resembling ears, the great-eared nightjar looks more like a dragon than a bird. Called the “dragon baby,” this mystical creature has several distinctive features, including an ominous, insistent cry.
The Greater Eared Nightjar, which measures 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 centimeters) in length, is found in dense lowland forests throughout South and Southeast Asia. These elusive nocturnal birds are masters of camouflage, blending in with the forest floor with their mottled brown, gray, and black plumage. During the day, they remain motionless among leaf litter or tree stumps, their coloring protecting them from predators.
Big-eared Nightjar (Call) – YouTube
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Rather than constructing a traditional nest, the Greater Eared Nightjar lays a single egg directly on the forest floor or in a shallow layer of leaves. While the exact reason they avoid nesting in trees like many other birds remains a mystery, it is possible that their natural camouflage provides both egg and chick with ample protection from predators.
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