Caprimulgidae bird family

Order Caprimulgiformes · 4 selected species

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Eurasian NightjarCaprimulgus europaeusMasterfully camouflaged nightbird. Shape resembles a cuckoo or falcon, but plumage is cryptic, like dead leaves. Patterning varies subtly over wide range. Male has white tail corners and white band on the wing. Active at night and rarely seen by chance, but might be flushed from daytime roost on the ground. Loud churring song at dusk and night may draw attention. Favors open habitats, from dry plains to forest clearings. Hunts from a perch on the ground or a tree, sallying out and flying with agile, rather jerky wingbeats.

Fiery-necked NightjarCaprimulgus pectoralisMedium-sized, typical nightjar, with a strong rufous collar. Both sexes have small pale marks in the outer wings and large ones at the tail corners that are white in males and buff in females. Found in a variety of habitats, including savannah, woodland, forest, and plantations. Song is a distinctive series of whistles: “dear lord, deliver us!” Most similar to Rufous-cheeked Nightjar, but darker, with a brighter and more distinct rufous collar. Male has less white in the wing and more in the tail than Rufous-cheeked Nightjar. Female has larger buff tail corners than Rufous-cheeked Nightjar.

Fiery-necked NightjarCaprimulgus pectoralisMedium-sized, typical nightjar, with a strong rufous collar. Both sexes have small pale marks in the outer wings and large ones at the tail corners that are white in males and buff in females. Found in a variety of habitats, including savannah, woodland, forest, and plantations. Song is a distinctive series of whistles: “dear lord, deliver us!” Most similar to Rufous-cheeked Nightjar, but darker, with a brighter and more distinct rufous collar. Male has less white in the wing and more in the tail than Rufous-cheeked Nightjar. Female has larger buff tail corners than Rufous-cheeked Nightjar.

Rufous-cheeked NightjarCaprimulgus rufigenaMedium-sized, typical nightjar, with a vague rufous collar. Both sexes have pale marks in the outer wings and at the tail corner that are white in males and buff in females. This is a migratory species that is found in a variety of open habitats on migration and during the non-breeding season. Breeds in arid savanna and scrub. Song is a long, dry, fast trill. Most similar to Fiery-necked Nightjar, but paler, with a less bright and distinct rufous collar. Male has more white in the wing and less white in the tail than Fiery-necked Nightjar. Female has smaller buff tail corners than Fiery-necked Nightjar.