The Oilbird reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Oilbird

Oilbird
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Steatornithidae Genus: Steatornis Species: caripensis
Binomial name
Steatornis caripensis Humboldt, 1817

The Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) is a slim, long-winged bird related to the nightjars. It is found in the northern areas of South America.

This nocturnal species, uniquely, is a specialist feeder on the fruit of the Oil Palm. All the other nightjars and their relatives are insectivores.

The Oilbird's feet are small and almost useless.

During the day these birds rest on cave ledges. The nest is a heap of droppings, on which 2-4 white eggs are laid.

The relationships with other species is as below:

• ORDER CAPRIMULGIFORMES
  • Family Steatornithidae
    • Oilbird, Steatornis caripensis
  • Family: Podargidae: frogmouths
  • Family: Nyctibiidae: potoos
  • Family: Aegothelidae: owlet-nightjars
  • Family: Caprimulgidae: nightjars

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