Long-tailed Nightjar
Caprimulgus climacurus
A slim nightjar with a very elongated tail. Varies geographically; plumage usually rufous-brown or gray-brown, but locally dark brown. Both sexes have a large pale mark in the outer wing and along the sides of the tail, white in males and buff in females. Molting and non-breeding birds can have a shorter, though still elongated tail. Found in a wide variety of savanna and other open habitats. Similar to Slender-tailed Nightjar, but usually longer-tailed, and plumage is more rufous in the area where their ranges overlap. Call is a very fast, mechanical trill, higher-pitched than similar calls of other nightjars. Also gives a “chiow” call, often in flight.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Caprimulgus climacurus
- Authority
- Vieillot, 1824
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Caprimulgidae
- Genus
- Caprimulgus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Green-backed Woodpecker
Campethera maculosa
Small woodpecker with a green back and a finely speckled face without strong markings. The crown is entirely red in males and red-and-black in females. There is striking geographical variation. In most of East Africa, the underparts are spotted, while in the western two-thirds of the range, the underparts are barred. Found in forest, edge habitat and clearings, and lush woodland. Generally uncommon and inconspicuous. The call is an arresting “ka-reek,” sometimes repeated several times. Spotted birds are separated from other woodpeckers by their lack of strong facial markings. Barred birds are distinctive within their range.
Dusky-backed Jacamar
Brachygalba salmoni
Distinctive within limited range near the border of Panama and Colombia. Typical jacamar shape with extremely long, pointed bill and an upright stance. Plumage brown overall with darker blue-black gloss on back and breast, off-white throat, and cinnamon belly. Pairs or small family groups are found at forest edges or clearings, often perched conspicuously and sallying out frequently to catch insects.
Gray Francolin
Ortygornis pondicerianus
A small gamebird with an orangish face and fine barring throughout. Males and females are similar. Occurs in open grassy areas such as dry grasslands, scrub, and agricultural land. Often found in groups. Call, sometimes given simultaneously by several birds, is a loud repetitive “kateetar-kateetar”. Native to South Asia; introduced to Hawaii where it is common in dry areas on all Hawaiian islands.
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