Madagascar Nightjar

Caprimulgus madagascariensis

Typical cryptically-patterned nightjar that is active at dawn, at dusk, and during the night. Found throughout Madagascar in nearly all habitats, including towns and cultivation, though not inside of thick forest. Feeds on insects that it catches on the wing. Beautiful call is given frequently at dawn and dusk: an introductory “tuk” followed by a long, wooden rattle. When perched, distinguished from Collared Nightjar by its lack of a rufous collar; in flight, by the white in the wings. 

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Caprimulgus madagascariensis
Authority
Sganzin, 1840
Order
Caprimulgiformes
Family
Caprimulgidae
Genus
Caprimulgus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Ambon White-eye

Ambon White-eye

Zosterops kuehni

A small songbird with a conspicuous white eye-ring, a green face and upperparts, a bright yellow throat, a white belly, and a yellow base to the undertail. Pairs and small groups occur in the lowlands in forest, edge, sparsely wooded areas, and gardens. Restricted to Ambon, except for a few records from Seram. Separated from Warbling and Lemon-bellied White-eyes by its white belly, and from Seram White-eye by its green face and forecrown. Song comprises a rapid, pleasant warble. Also gives penetrating “tzew” notes.

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher

Ficedula strophiata

A bold little flycatcher of mid- to high-altitude forests with a flashing black-and-white tail. Male is brown above with a black face, white eyebrow, and orange throat patch (gorget). The female is essentially a faded version of the male with a dark gray face and a pale, largely unnoticeable gorget. Usually perches at middle levels, sallying from its perch to catch flying insects. Often joins mixed-species feeding flocks.

Dark-throated Oriole

Dark-throated Oriole

Oriolus xanthonotus

A streak-breasted oriole with a rather long, lipstick-pink bill. Male is yellow with a glossy black hood and dark wings. Female is olive-green above. Both sexes have dark red eyes. On Borneo absent from the northern parts of the island, where replaced by the very similar Ventriloquial Oriole. Inhabits lowland and hill forests and forest edges, typically moving in the upper levels of the forest. Sometimes found singly, sometimes in pairs or mixed flocks. Song is short but fluidly melodic, often with the last note stretched out. Gives a harsh, jay-like “chew!”.

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