OWLET NIGHTJAR 195 
OWLET NIGHTJAR 
Mgotheles cristata cristata 
This curious little bird, the size of a small Parrakeet, 
in colour dark grey, with a pale buff crescent round 
the back of the neck, rather like a miniature Mopoke 
without the disproportionate gape, is quite well 
distributed in our bush districts, and yet, because of 
its habits, few but those fairly well versed in bird-life 
will have recognised it. 
It passes the day in the hole of a tree, whence, 
however, it may easily be dislodged by the sound 
of a blow struck on the trunk with a stick ; it comes 
then to the entrance of the hollow, looks out, and 
flies off straight to the nearest tree it can find with 
another hollow to shelter it. It appears to see better 
in the daytime than do the Owls. In flight its 
wings seem feeble, though the course steered is direct 
enough ; it reminds one somewhat of the Minah. 
It obtains the insects which constitute its food by 
hunting after dark. 
Four eggs are laid on gum-leaves or a little grass 
in the hollow spout of a gum tree, the season extending 
irregularly from early in September till near Christ- 
mas. The eggs are pure white, oval, and of amazing 
hardness. I have found or made notes of nests at 
Marcus, Anglesea, Pettavel, Batesford, and the You 
Yangs. The Owlet Nightjar favours country where 
large gum-trees grow at intervals among wattles and 
other smaller trees. 
