Large-tailed Nightjar
Caprimulgus macrurus
An intricately patterned nocturnal bird, usually found roosting on the ground or a low branch in open forest, secondary growth, and cultivated areas. Brownish gray overall, with a rich brown ear patch and chestnut-and-black dappled wings. Exposes bright white tail corners when flushed. Sometimes found in parks and gardens, where it hawks for insects below street lamps. Song a repeated, soft “tok tok tok,” somewhat recalling the sound of a car's locking sounds.
Identification
The large-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is a species of nightjar known for its distinctive long, broad tail and cryptic plumage that allows it to blend into its surroundings. Found along the southern Himalayan foothills, eastern South Asia, Southeast Asia and northern Australia, its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Taxonomy
Genus: Caprimulgus; Family: Caprimulgidae; Order: Caprimulgiformes.
- Scientific name
- Caprimulgus macrurus
- Authority
- Horsfield, 1821
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Caprimulgidae
- Genus
- Caprimulgus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Somali Starling
Onychognathus blythii
A large glossy-black starling with a strong bill. The very long and pointed tail and large red wing panels are conspicuous in flight. Males have a dark head and females a contrastingly pale-gray one. Found around cliffs and other rocky areas in a wide variety of dry habitats. Most similar to Slender-billed Starling, but generally found in drier habitats, and has a thicker bill and a more pointed tail. Also similar to Socotra and Red-winged Starlings, but has a much longer and more pointed tail. Gives scratchy calls and more musical whistles.
White-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta carolinensis
The largest nuthatch in North America, with distinctive white face, black cap, and blue-gray upperparts. Also note rusty lower belly and undertail coverts. Females have a slightly paler crown than males. Fairly common and widespread, usually in mature woodlands with large trees. Creeps along tree trunks and branches, often upside-down. Sometimes joins mixed flocks with other songbirds. Visits feeders. Listen for insistent yammering calls. Some subtle variation across range, mainly in the darkness of the sides and back, width of the black crown, and vocalizations.
Melancholy Woodpecker
Dendropicos lugubris
Small woodpecker with a green back, broadly striped underparts, and a strongly striped face. The back of the crown is red in males. Found in lowland rainforest and secondary growth. The common call is a fast, high-pitched rattle. Also gives slower, lower-pitched “krek” notes and a fast, slightly fading drum. Very similar to the local subspecies of Gabon Woodpecker in the narrow area of overlap. Separated by broader brown streaking below and cleaner, less streaked face. Similar to other green-backed rainforest woodpeckers, but easily separated by the heavily striped underparts.
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