Top 15 Types Of Nocturnal Birds (With Pictures)

The top 15 nocturnal birds, from the mighty Eagle Owl to the unique Kakapo, showcase nature's ingenuity—discover their secrets and stunning images.

nocturnal bird species list

Nocturnal birds thrive under the cloak of darkness, utilizing exceptional adaptations that vary across species. The Eagle Owl, with its vast 6.6-foot wingspan and keen night vision, dominates European skies. Diminutive yet fierce, the Pygmy Owl excels in hunting with its sharp talons in Asia and Europe. The Tawny Owl, recognized for its resonant hoots, masters the hunt for small mammals in wooded areas. Additionally, the melodic Nightingale serenades the night across Europe and Asia, inspiring countless artworks. The flightless Kakapo underscores the essential need for conservation with its rarity and unique traits. Explore a variety of other nocturnal birds that reveal the intricate balance of nature's nighttime domain.

Eagle Owl

majestic nocturnal bird

Renowned for its formidable size, the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) boasts a wingspan that can extend up to 6.6 feet.

As one of the most notable nocturnal birds, these owls utilize their large, distinctive orange eyes for excellent night vision, aiding their skilled hunting of diverse prey including rodents and smaller birds.

Their deep, resonant hoots echo through the night, signaling their presence.

Pygmy Owl

small nocturnal bird species

Shifting from the formidable Eagle Owl, the Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) presents a stark contrast with its diminutive size, comparable to a starling.

This small predator thrives across Europe and Asia, hunting insects, rodents, and small birds.

Despite its small size, the Pygmy Owl is a skilled hunter, using its sharp talons and silent flight at dawn and dusk to maintain ecological balance.

Tawny Owl

adaptable nocturnal bird

Moving from the petite Pygmy Owl, we now explore the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco), a medium-sized species that resonates through the night with its distinctive hooting.

Adorned in reddish-brown plumage with dark streaks, these owls thrive in wooded habitats, stealthily hunting small mammals and insects.

Their excellent night vision and silent flight make them vital nocturnal predators, essential in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.

Nightingale

symbol of nursing care

The Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos), celebrated for its vibrant and melodious nocturnal singing, captivates listeners across Europe and parts of Asia. Only male nightingales perform, boasting over 200 different songs.

Mainly active at night, these birds create enchanting symphonies with their flutelike melodies, inspiring countless poets and writers with their evocative birds singing.

Kakapo

endangered flightless parrot species

Originating from New Zealand, the Kakapo is a remarkable nocturnal parrot known for being the only flightless parrot in the world.

The Kakapo's diet includes seeds, fruits, nuts, and berries.

These unique birds can live up to 95 years and are under strict conservation efforts due to their endangered status, highlighting the importance of preserving such distinctive nocturnal wildlife.

Large-tailed Nightjar

camouflaged bird in forest

Renowned for its effective camouflage and nocturnal lifestyle, the Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) inhabits regions across Asia and northern Australia. Its mottled plumage blends seamlessly with the ground, aiding in evasion from predators during the day.

Active at night, this nightjar feeds on insects such as moths and mosquitoes. They nest on the ground in open areas to facilitate their nocturnal hunting.

Night Parrot

rare nocturnal australian bird

Despite its previous classification as extinct, the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) has been recently rediscovered, shedding light on its secretive nocturnal lifestyle in the arid regions of Australia.

This small bird measures between 8.66 to 9.84 inches and weighs about 3.52 ounces. It thrives on a diet of grass seeds and herbs, with a wingspan ranging from 17.32 to 18.11 inches.

Tawny Frogmouth

nocturnal bird with camouflage

The Tawny Frogmouth, native to Australia and Tasmania, is a distinct nocturnal bird known for its unique appearance and diet.

With a length of 13 to 21 inches and weighing 5.5 to 19.6 ounces, these night birds excel in capturing nocturnal insects and small vertebrates, thanks to their wide mouth, resembling a frog's, which aids in efficiently snagging prey.

Stone Curlew

bird with unique call

Known as the Eurasian Thick-knee, the Stone Curlew is a nocturnal bird that thrives in the open landscapes of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

With large eyes and cryptic plumage, it blends into its environment, feeding primarily on nocturnal insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

Its haunting call echoes at night, reminiscent of the nightjar, enhancing its mysterious presence in its natural habitat.

Australian Owlet-nightjar

small nocturnal australian bird

Native to Australia, the Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) is a diminutive, nocturnal bird that primarily consumes insects. Characterized by its owl-like appearance and a distinctive 'boobook' call during the night, it utilizes its wide gape to catch insects effectively.

Solitary by nature, this bird opts for tree hollows or dense foliage for daytime roosting, blending seamlessly into its environment with cryptic plumage.

Little Penguin

adorable antarctic bird species

Shifting focus to another unique nocturnal creature, the Little Penguin stands as the smallest penguin species, found primarily in Australia and New Zealand.

Also known as the Blue Penguin, they are recognized by their distinct bluish feathers.

These social birds nest in coastal colonies, diving for small fish like anchovies.

Their vocal braying calls play an essential role in communication within their communities.

Long-eared Owl

majestic nocturnal bird species

Long-eared owls, distinguished by impressive ear tufts that resemble horns, are medium-sized nocturnal birds adept at blending into their natural environments. With a wingspan of 35-39 inches, these owls thrive across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Their cryptic plumage and nocturnal habits make them effective hunters, primarily preying on small mammals. Truly, they are nocturnal birds that burn the midnight oil.

Ashy Storm-petrel

dark seabird west coast

From the silent flight of the Long-eared owl, we move to the maritime world of the Ashy Storm-petrel, a small seabird adept at nocturnal foraging. Dominantly dark gray with a lighter underbelly and forked tail, these seabirds thrive by night, feeding on small fish and planktonic crustaceans.

They nest in offshore island crevices, with conservation efforts vital to mitigate pollution and habitat disturbance impacts.

Whip-poor-will

nighttime bird call sound

The Whip-poor-will, a nocturnal bird named for its haunting, repetitive call, thrives in the wooded regions of North and Central America.

Its cryptic plumage aids in camouflage during the day, while at night, these nocturnal birds actively hunt insects such as moths and beetles.

Most active during twilight, the Whip-poor-will's distinct voice marks the otherwise silent evenings.

Can Nocturnal Birds Also Be Edible?

Yes, some nocturnal birds can be edible. Owls, for example, are considered a delicacy in some cultures. However, it’s important to be cautious and ensure that hunting and consuming these types of edible birds with pictures is legal and ethical in your area. Always consult local regulations and guidelines.

Kiwi

green fuzzy new zealand

Shifting focus to another unique nocturnal bird, kiwis are flightless and native to New Zealand. These birds possess a remarkable sense of smell and sharp hearing, essential for their night-time activities.

Kiwis feature tiny, vestigial wings and use their long bills to forage. They lay extraordinarily large eggs relative to their body size, prompting significant conservation efforts to safeguard them from various threats.