Pennant-winged Nightjar
Caprimulgus vexillarius
Breeding males have extraordinary “pennants” growing out of their wings. Non-breeding males are still distinctive due to the huge white patches on the wings. Females are very drab, and lack white in the wing or tail, unlike most nightjars. This is a migratory species that is found in many different habitats on migration and during the non-breeding season. Breeds in moist savanna and broadleaved woodland, especially miombo. Song is a slow, squeaky trill. Female is similar to Standard-winged Nightjar, but is larger and has more barring in the wings.
Identification
The male of the species is characteristic in having a broad white band over the otherwise black primaries. In addition the males acquire a striking 2nd primary feather during the breeding season. These pennant feathers grow to greater lengths in successive years, up to twice the body length. They are dropped or broken off quickly upon completion of breeding. With the distal (9th) and proximal (1st - 3rd) primaries being longest, the wings of male birds are distinctly angular.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Caprimulgus vexillarius
- Authority
- (Gould, 1838)
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Caprimulgidae
- Genus
- Caprimulgus
Range and habitat
Their preferred habitat south of the equator is plateau woodlands, especially Miombo, where they are partial to stony or boulder-strewn hillsides. They are observed as bi-annual and social passage migrants along the Kenyan Rift Valley and Lake Victoria regions, and spend the non-breeding season in subtropical savanna from Nigeria to Sudan.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Wattled Curassow
Crax globulosa
Very large black gamebird with a red bill. Males have a white ventral region which is chestnut in females. Strongly associated with riparian environments, especially seasonally flooded forest and river islands, where it is quite arboreal. Now very rare over much of its range because of overhunting.
Galapagos Petrel
Pterodroma phaeopygia
Endangered seabird that nests only in Galápagos. Outside the breeding season, it disperses over the eastern Pacific and usually stays far from land. Note distinctive black-and-white pattern on underwing, mostly white underparts, and dark upperparts that extend down through its face to sides of neck; no other seabird found in and near Galápagos shares these features. When seen from above, it appears all dark except for some white around the base of the bill. Almost always encountered at sea, since it travels to and from its highland nesting sites only at night.
Daurian Jackdaw
Coloeus dauuricus
Small stout crow; often seen in large flocks, sometimes with other crows. Adult’s white neck and belly are unique in the region. Immature birds have pale gray cheeks but are otherwise black overall. Favors open areas with scattered trees; also around human habitation, particularly in agricultural fields. Gives nasal yelps, yaps, and caws.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.