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
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Long, curved bill. Adults mostly dark with iridescent green and reddish tones. Very thin white border surrounding the dark facial skin. Dark eyes. Usually gregarious, it is found mainly in salty marshes and shallow wetlands. Unmistakable in most of its range, though American birds are best distinguished from White-faced Ibis by distribution and facial pattern.
Dusky Tit
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Unusual forest tit that is all dark with a red eye. The male is mostly black, and the female dark gray. Found in humid forest, often around clearings or along the edge. Usually in pairs or small groups, readily joining mixed-species flocks. Gives a wide variety of vocalizations including a raspy up-and-down series, a typical tit “dree di-di-di,” and other whistled and scolding notes. Active tit behavior, small size, and small bill separate this species from other dark forest birds.
Pygmy Cupwing
Pnoepyga pusilla
Essentially a tiny brown tennis ball supported by tiny chopsticks. Dark brown above with densely packed black-and-white scaling on the underside. Gives the impression of a tailless rodent as it makes its way furtively through dense shrubbery and leaf litter. Can be quite vocal and is jarringly loud for its size, giving single well-spaced piercing whistles on different high pitches, and occasionally an accelerating, usually rising rapid series of whistles. Also gives a sharp chip.
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