Nubian Nightjar
Caprimulgus nubicus
Small and compact nightjar of vegetated semi-desert habitats. Overall rather pale sandy-brown, but note the distinctive rusty hind-collar and buff tips on scapulars and coverts when sitting on the ground. In flight flashes big white patches on wings and tail corners and wings appear relatively short and rounded. Also note the rich rusty underwing. Breeds under bushes, forages in open habitats, and often sits on tracks in the road. Vocalizations sound similar to a distant double-bark, "Kau-kau, kau-kau…"
Identification
The Nubian nightjar is 20–22 cm long. It is a nocturnal species, known for its large eyes and beak, which help it hunt at night. The bird resembles the Moorish nightjar, but is smaller, has a shorter tail and blunt wings compared to the ̺Moorish nightjar. Another characteristic feature is a red-brown band over the neck. The white wing spots are not further away from the wing tips than other types of nightjars.<p>The Nubian nightjar (Caprimulgus nubicus, Lichtenstein 1823) is the smallest and slightest nightjar in the Western Palearctic (Snow & Perrins, 1998). The species is relatively widespread in the arid part of eastern Africa, though recorded as uncommon and scarce (Perlman, 2008). In the Middle East, it was reported along the Rift Valley in southern Palestine and the Red Sea coast of southern Arabian Peninsula (Birdlife International, 2012).The bird's former range included the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Fidan Valley, and Tassan, but it is now restricted to Fifa Nature Reserve as a result of habitat destruction (RSCN).
Taxonomy
Genus: Caprimulgus; Family: Caprimulgidae; Order: Caprimulgiformes.
- Scientific name
- Caprimulgus nubicus
- Authority
- Lichtenstein, MHC, 1823
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Caprimulgidae
- Genus
- Caprimulgus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Greater Black Coucal
Centropus menbeki
A large coucal of lowland forest. Note all black plumage and pale bill with red eye. Found in thick cover of humid forest where it is very skulking and difficult to see. Similar to Lesser Black Coucal, but Greater Black Coucal is more often found in forest, and is larger with a red eye and paler bill. Heard far more often than seen. Call, a short phrase of deep hooting notes. A rising and falling ”Boop-bip-boo-boo”.
Sooty Babbler
Stachyris herberti
Small dark babbler with a ring of pale exposed skin around the eye. Contrastingly pale bill stands out in the gloom of the undergrowth. Found in limestone forests, often near cliffs, gullies, and ravines. Climbs on vegetation and limestone karst in search of prey, often in both single-species and mixed-species flocks. Calls softly when foraging, but fairly quiet compared to other babblers.
Red-collared Woodpecker
Picus rabieri
Distinctive olive-green woodpecker with a shawl-like red pattern on the head. Male is essentially red-headed except for a pale throat and a green ear patch, while female lacks the red crown and has less red on the nape. Body coloration similar to other green woodpeckers in range, but less streaked and overall quite dark underneath. Inhabits mixed forests from lowlands to foothills, and occasionally open and edge areas.
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