Australian Owlet-nightjar

Natural Shelter

Australian Owlet-nightjars will investigate gardens with tall trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and clumping vegetation in search for shelter and potential nesting sites. They are nocturnal and retreat to hollows and the forks of tree branches for the day.

Keep and maintain mature trees in your garden as they provide habitat and natural nesting hollows for owlet-nightjars.

Novel Shelter

Below is a template and important considerations regarding nest boxes for owlet-nightjars.

• Install the box on a tall tree close to the main trunk or a thick horizontal limb five meters or higher.
• Position nest boxes away from direct afternoon sun.
• Nest boxes are a long-term commitment and need maintenance and repair over time.
• Never use metal wire inside a box. A wooden ladder or notches in the timber is much more suitable and won’t damage claws or talons.
• Chipboard boxes degrade quickly and require replacement after a year of use.
• Hardier untreated timber (Jarrah) is less prone to attack by fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms.
• Do not use treated timber as this can emit fumes toxic to wildlife and their young.
• Maintenance is critical to ensure any resident wildlife and their offspring remain safe.

Providing natural sources of food

A garden with trees, shrubs, groundcovers, clumping grasses, and plenty of leaf litter can provide foraging habitat for owlet-nightjars. Australian Owlet-nightjars eat flying insects (moths, mosquitos, etc.) and capture their prey on the wing.

Australian Owlet-nightjars have an unusual habit of foraging on the ground. They wait on a prominent log, rock, or low hanging branch and pounce on ground dwelling prey including spiders. Having a large log or rock can provide owlet-nightjars with a place to forage near the ground.

Providing sources of water

Australian Owlet-nightjars habitually visit bird baths or other sources of water first thing at night. Shallow water containers hanging from tree branches can provide water and lessen the rick of cats attacking birds.

Australian Owlet-nightjars will visit frog ponds. Deep ponds are hazardous for small birds. If they fall in, partially submerged rocks or logs can provide a safe avenue for a bird to leave the water.