FEATHERY FRIDAY# 28
Man o Man have we found a nifty bird for you today! These birds use echolocation, just like bats to help them get around at night! In fact they are very similar to bats in many ways, except that they are feathery J! We’re off to the rainforests of Northern Central American to meet this bird. Grab your night vision goggles, because they won’t be out during the day!
MEET THE OILBIRD!
Range/Habitat: Northern Central & South America/ rainforest
Diet: Herbivore: fruit
Length/Weight: 16- 19”/ 13-17 oz
Conservation Status: Common
Fun Facts:
- Oilbirds are nocturnal (active). They are the only nocturnal fruit eating bird in the world.
- They live in colonies.
- Oilbirds roost in caves or underground during the day.
- They use echolocation to fly at night. They send out sounds that bounce of objects and help the bird navigate.
- Oilbirds can travel up to 45 miles a night to find food.
- They love the fruit of oil palms and laurel trees.
Oilbirds are super cool! Not only do they fly at night, but they use echolocation. We wonder if they have bat friends or if bats wonder what these crazy birds are doing out at night.
The Adventures of Ellie and Edmond 
What a cool bird! I’d never heard of them before!
We hadn’t either- but we like them :)!
I learned something new today. I have never even heard of this bird. Nocturnal? Echolocation? AMAZING!
Aren’t they amazing? It’s like a bat with feathers :)!