New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar

This elusive bird is a large, grey-brown and black species marked with fine, wavy patterns. Known as the New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar, it is the second-largest bird of its kind, dwarfed only by an extinct relative from New Zealand. It possesses a long, rounded tail and short wings, while its legs are notably long and sturdy. Although its exact calls are not confirmed, experts suspect it may produce whistling or churring sounds similar to its relatives. Sightings are extremely rare, with the first specimen only recorded in 1880 after it entered a local home in the village of Tonghoué during the evening.

Endemic to the archipelago, this bird inhabits humid forests and Melaleuca savanna. Historically, fossils indicate it was once widespread across islands like Maré and Grande Terre. Because of its long legs, it may spend more time on the ground than other owlet-nightjars, though observers have also seen it hunting insects in the air. These birds are likely solitary, possibly nesting in tree hollows and foraging from perches. They are known to hunt both by flying out to catch prey and by dropping down onto insects on branches or the forest floor.

Finding one today is a significant challenge for any traveller. The total population is estimated at fewer than 50 individuals and is thought to be in decline. While a large area of land was designated as a reserve in 1995 after logging stopped, the species remains incredibly difficult to locate. Extensive searches conducted between 2002 and 2007 failed to produce any credible reports despite hundreds of days in the field. The most recent reliable sighting occurred in 1998, when a bird was seen foraging at dusk in the Rivière Ni Valley.