Great Eared Nightjar: The Tiny 'Dragon Bird' of Asian Forests Revealed

• The Great Eared Nightjar, a nocturnal bird from South and Southeast Asian forests, is known for its golden feather tufts and fluffy plumage, resembling a 'baby dragon'.
• Measuring 12-16 inches, this bird is perfectly adapted for camouflage and nocturnal life, making it an ecological marvel and scientific curiosity.
• It hunts flying insects like moths and beetles after sunset, using silent wings and keen vision, playing a crucial role in maintaining insect populations.
• Found in dense forests across India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, it prefers areas with thick leaf litter for camouflage.
• Unlike most birds, females lay a single egg directly on leaves, with both parents incubating and protecting the chick, minimizing energy investment.

Why It Matters: The Great Eared Nightjar is a mysterious 'dragon bird' of Asian forests, showcasing unique adaptations for nocturnal survival.