About
The Jamaican Poorwill hasn’t been officially recorded since 1860, though there have been recent unconfirmed reports.
As the species is nocturnal, it may be that recent surveys have overlooked the species, explaining its absence from official reports. They are likely driven to the edge of existence by the introduction of mongooses and rats, coupled with habitat destruction for agriculture and logging. Because of these threats and a lack of confirmed sightings, the Jamaican Poorwill is listed as Critically Endangered, with a likely population size no bigger than 50 individuals.
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Caprimulgidae
- Population: <50
- Trend: unknown
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species is endemic to Jamaica, primarily on the southern side of the island.
Habitat and Ecology
Little is known of this species’ habitat and ecology, though it is thought that they inhabit dry limestone forest, semi-arid woodland or open country at low elevations, presumably nesting on the ground. They are nocturnal.