Showing posts with label Caprimulgidae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caprimulgidae. Show all posts

Savanna nightjar


   ›      ›   Savanna nightjar - Caprimulgus affinis

The savanna nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis) is a medium-sized nightjar belonging to the family Caprimulgidae.

These nightjar species are distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China and Southeast Asian countries. The savanna nightjar species are nocturnal birds with long pointed wings, short legs and short bills. There are ten recognized subspecies of these nightjars.

Overview & Quick Facts Description & Identification
Pictures of Savanna Nightjar Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification Bird World

Appearance, physical description and identification

The savanna nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis) is a sexually dimorphic nightjar, measuring about 20 to 25 cm in length. The males weigh 50 to 85 grams and females weigh 75 to 110 grams.

The plumage of these species is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves. The overall plumage of these nightjar species is brown. The upperparts are brownish, having pale brown speckles and dark brown streaks and patches. The underparts are brown with bars.

The feet are short, of little use in walking. The gape is wide. The beak is short and has rictal bristles. The irises are dark brown. The wings are long and pointed. Their call is a loud, repetitive squeaky and often mechanical "kweek kweek" sound.
Indian birds - Picture of Savanna nightjar - Caprimulgus affinis
Birds of India - Image of Savanna nightjar - Caprimulgus affinis
Birds of India - Photo of Savanna nightjar - Caprimulgus affinis
Indian birds - Picture of Savanna nightjar - Caprimulgus affinis


Indian birds - Image of Savanna nightjar - Caprimulgus affinis
Birds of India - Photo of Savanna nightjar - Caprimulgus affinis by Brian Gratwicke

Origin, geographical range and distribution

These savanna nightjar species are distributed in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and Timor-Leste.

The nominate subspecies of savanna nightjar, C. a. affinis is distributed in Malaysia (southern Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo) and Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Lombok and Sulawesi islands). The subspecies C. a. amoyensis is distributed in south-eastern China and northern Vietnam.

The savanna nightjar subspecies C. a. timorensis is distributed in Indonesia (Alor, Timor, Rote and Kisar islands) and Timor-Leste. The subspecies C. a. kasuidori is distributed in Indonesia (Sumba and Sawu islands of Lesser Sundas). The subspecies C. a. stictomus is distributed in Taiwan.

The savanna nightjar subspecies C. a. undulatus is distributed in Indonesia (Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores islands of Lesser Sundas). The subspecies C. a. propinquus is distributed in Indonesia (Sulawesi). The subspecies C. a. griseatus is distributed in north-central Philippines.

The savanna nightjar subspecies C. a. mindanensis is distributed in south-eastern Philippines. The subspecies C. a. monticolus is distributed in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

Ecosystem and habitat

These savanna nightjar species have low forest dependency. These species occur in altitudes from 0 to 2000 meters. These species inhabit artificial ecosystems like urban areas and open parks and roadside shrubs.

The natural ecosystem of these species includes subtropical and tropical mangrove vegetation, open woodlands, scrub jungle, temperate forests, deciduous forests, subtropical and tropical dry grasslands, shoreline, beaches, sand bars, subtropical and tropical savanna, savanna grasslands and grassy plains.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of these savanna nightjar species is mostly large flying insects. Grasshoppers, moths, crickets, mantises, cicadas, beetles, dragonflies, flying termites, flies and flying ants are their primary food. They fly high above the ground, hawking insects before dawn and after dusk.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these savanna nightjar species is from April to August in India and Nepal. In Pakistan, the breeding season is in June and July. The laying season is from March to December in Indonesia.

These savanna nightjar species normally nest on ground scrape. The typical savanna nightjar clutch contains one cryptically colored egg. Both the parents have been observed to incubate the egg.

Migration and movement patterns

The savanna nightjar is a non-migrant resident bird. Post breeding, the juveniles may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. They may make local movements for feeding and breeding within their range.

Savanna nightjar - Overview

  • Scientific name: Caprimulgus affinis
  • Species author: Horsfield, 1821
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Caprimulgus affinis Horsfield, 1821
  • Family: Caprimulgidae › Caprimulgiformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Savanna nightjar, Chinese: 林夜鹰, French: Engoulevent affin, German: Savannennachtschwalbe, Spanish: Chotacabras de sabana, Russian: Саванний козодой, Japanese: シロアゴヨタカ, Malay: Burung Tukang Padi
  • Other names: Franklin's Nightjar
  • Distribution: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Timor-Leste
  • Diet and feeding habits: grasshoppers, moths, crickets, mantises, cicadas, beetles, dragonflies, flying termites, flies, flying ants
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)
The ten recognized subspecies of savanna nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis) are: C. a. affinis, C. a. monticolus, C. a. timorensis, C. a. amoyensis, C. a. kasuidori, C. a. stictomus, C. a. undulatus, C. a. griseatus, C. a. propinquus and C. a. mindanensis.

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the savanna nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis) has not been quantified. The overall population trend of these species is considered to be stable. Throughout its range it is reported to be common. The generation length is 5.6 years. Their distribution size is about 20,100,000 sq.km.

The savanna nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis) does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable, either under the range size criterion, or under the population trend criterion, or under the population size criterion. Loss of habitat is the main threat that may endanger the survival of these species.

IUCN and CITES status

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the species and has listed it as of "Least Concern". CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the savanna nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Caprimulgus affinis
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Caprimulgiformes
Family:Caprimulgidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Caprimulgus
Species:C. affinis
Binomial name:Caprimulgus affinis
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
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1.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Caprim_affin_110818-16545_F_hsk.jpg
Image author: Wibowo Djatmiko (Wie146) | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
2.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Savannah_Nightjar_David_Raju.jpg
Image author: Davidvraju | License: CC BY-SA 4.0
3.Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Caprimulgus_affinis.jpg
Image author: Brian Gratwicke | License: CC BY 2.0
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Indian nightjar

   ›      ›   Indian nightjar - Caprimulgus asiaticus.

The Indian nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus) is a small nightjar belonging to the family Caprimulgidae.

These nightjar species are distributed in Afghanistan, Iran, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. The Indian nightjar species are nocturnal birds with long pointed wings and short legs. There are two recognized subspecies of these nightjars.

Overview & Quick Facts Description & Identification
Pictures of Indian Nightjar Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification Bird World

Indian nightjar - Overview

  • Scientific name: Caprimulgus asiaticus
  • Species author: Latham, 1790
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham, 1790
  • Family: Caprimulgidae › Caprimulgiformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Indian nightjar, Chinese: 印度夜鹰, French: Engoulevent indien, German: Hindunachtschwalbe, Spanish: Chotacabras hindú, Russian: Индийский козодой, Japanese: インドヨタカ, Tamil: Chinna Pakki
  • Other names: Common Indian nightjar, Little Indian Nightjar, Little Nightjar
  • Distribution: Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos
  • Diet and feeding habits: flying insects, moths, crickets, cicadas, grasshoppers, beetles, swarming insects, winged ants, winged termites, flies
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)
The Indian nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus) is closely related to Madagascan nightjar (Caprimulgus madagascariensis). The two recognized subspecies of Caprimulgus asiaticus are: Caprimulgus asiaticus asiaticus Latham, 1790 and Caprimulgus asiaticus eidos J. L. Peters, 1940.

Appearance, physical description and identification

The Indian nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus) is a small nightjar, measuring about 24 cm in length and weighing about 40 to 45 grams.

There is great variation in the plumage of these Indian nightjar species. Generally the upper parts are grayish brown with blackish brown streaks. The gray crown has broad blackish brown streaks in the center and has reddish brown edges.

The tail of these nightjar species is short and has white corners. The cheeks are darker and there are whitish patches on the side of the throat. The breast region has fine brown bars. Their call is a distinctive “chuk-chuk-chuk" sound.
Image of Indian nightjar - Caprimulgus asiaticus
Picture of Indian nightjar - Caprimulgus asiaticus by Thimindu Goonatillake
Photo of Indian nightjar - Caprimulgus asiaticus
Image of Indian nightjar - Caprimulgus asiaticus by Vinay Narayana Swamy
Picture of Indian nightjar - Caprimulgus asiaticus
Photo of Indian nightjar - Caprimulgus asiaticus

Origin, geographical range and distribution

The Indian nightjar species are distributed in Afghanistan, Indian mainland, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. The subspecies C. a. eidos occur in Sri Lanka.

The Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) of these nightjars in Nepal are, Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Chitwan National Park, Dang Deukhuri foothill forests and west Rapti wetlands. The IBA of these species in Cambodia is Chhep and in Laos is Dong Khanthung.

Ecosystem and habitat

The Indian nightjar species have very low forest dependency. These species occur in altitudes from 0 to 1500 meters. They inhabit artificial ecosystems as well as natural forest and shrubland ecosystems. These species inhabit arable lands, rural gardens, urban parks and plantations.

The habitats of Indian nightjar species include tropical and subtropical dry forests, tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, tropical and subtropical dry shrublands, tropical and subtropical high altitude shrublands and tropical and subtropical moist shrublands.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of these Indian nightjar species is mostly large insects. Insects like crickets, mantises, grasshoppers, locusts, cicadas, moths, beetles and wasps are the primary food. They have been observed to feed on the spurge flowers.

These nightjar species are crepuscular, active in the twilight before dawn and dusk. They fly into the swarms of insects attracted to artificial light with their bill wide open. They are seen frequently resting on roads during the night and feeding on insects under street lights.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these nightjar species is from February to September in India, with a peak in April and May. In Pakistan, these species have been recorded to breed from April onwards. The nest is an unlined scrape on the bare ground.

The typical nightjar clutch contains two eggs. The eggs are creamy pink and marbled. The female incubates the eggs. The hatchlings are covered by brown down on the upperparts, providing camouflage. The hatchlings, under threat, crawl and hide among the leaf litter.

Migration and movement patterns

The Indian nightjar is a non-migrant resident bird.

Post breeding, the nightjar juveniles may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. They may make local movements for feeding and breeding within their range.

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the Indian nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus) has not been quantified. The overall population size of these species is considered to be stable. Throughout its range it is reported to be generally common and widespread. The generation length is 5.6 years. Their distribution size is about 8,210,000 sq.km.

The Indian nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus) does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable either under the range size criterion, or the population trend criterion or under the population size criterion. Loss of habitat and getting killed by vehicular traffic in the nights are the main threats that may endanger the survival of these nightjar species.

IUCN and CITES status

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the nightjar species and has listed it as of "Least Concern". CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the Indian nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Caprimulgus asiaticus
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Caprimulgiformes
Family:Caprimulgidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Caprimulgus
Species:C. asiaticus
Binomial name:Caprimulgus asiaticus
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
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1.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thimindu/4673346433/
Image author: Thimindu Goonatillake | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 (as on 2017/02/13)
2.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/photos_vinu/14755483005/
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Jerdon's nightjar

   ›      ›   Jerdon's nightjar - Caprimulgus atripennis.

The Jerdon's nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis) belongs to the family of nightjars, Caprimulgidae.

These nightjar species are distributed in Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats in Southern India. The Jerdon's nightjar is a nocturnal bird, feeding predominantly on moths and other large flying insects. There are two recognized subspecies of these nightjar species.

Overview & Quick Facts Description & Identification
Pictures of Jerdon's Nightjar Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification Bird World

Jerdon's nightjar - Overview

  • Scientific name: Caprimulgus atripennis
  • Species author: Jerdon, 1845
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Caprimulgus atripennis Jerdon, 1845
  • Family: Caprimulgidae › Caprimulgiformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Jerdon's nightjar, Chinese: 印度长尾夜鹰, French: Engoulevent de Jerdon, German: Maharadschanachtschwalbe, Spanish: Chotacabras marajá, Russian: Шри-Ланкийский козодой, Japanese: インドオビロヨタカ, Tamil: Neendavaal Pakki
  • Other names: Ceylon Nightjar, Indian Long-tailed Nightjar
  • Distribution: southern India, Sri Lanka
  • Diet and feeding habits: insects like beetles, moths, termites
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)
The Jerdon's nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis) is closely related to the large-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus), Andaman nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus), Philippine nightjar (Caprimulgus manillensis) and Sulawesi nightjar (Caprimulgus celebensis).

The two recognized subspecies of Jerdon's nightjar are: C. a. atripennis Jerdon, 1845 and C. a. aequabilis Ripley, 1945.

Appearance, physical description and identification

The Jerdon's nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis) is a small bird, measuring 25 to 27 cm in length and weighing about 50 grams. These nightjar species are sexually dimorphic. The males have a white patch on each wing. The overall plumage is buff brown. The crown is grayish brown. The central feathers are blackish-brown with spare bold spots and streaks. The wings and tail are barred.

These nightjar species have soft downy plumage cryptically coloured to resemble bark or leaves. The wings are narrow and long. The beak is brownish and the gape is wide. The feet are small, of little use for walking. The irises are dark brown. The nightjar call is a fast repetitive "ch-woo-woo" sound.
Indian birds - Picture of Jerdon's nightjar - Caprimulgus atripennis
Birds of India - Image of Jerdon's nightjar - Caprimulgus atripennis

Origin, geographical range and distribution

The Jerdon's nightjar species are distributed in Sri Lanka and Southern India. The subspecies C. a. aequabilis is distributed in Sri Lanka. The subspecies C. a. atripennis is distributed in peninsular India in Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.

In Western Ghats, these species occur in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In the Eastern Ghats, they occur in the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Ecosystem and habitat

These Jerdon's nightjar species are moderately forest dependent. These species occur in altitudes from 0 to 2000 meters. They inhabit various natural and human-altered ecosystems.

These species inhabit plantations, evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, tropical and subtropical forests, tropical and subtropical mangrove vegetation, tropical and subtropical moist lowlands, scrub jungles, open woodlands and tropical and subtropical degraded forests.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of these Jerdon's nightjar species is mostly large insects. Insects like grasshoppers, locusts, cicadas, moths, beetles and wasps are the primary food. They are mostly active in the late evening, early morning and at night, hawking their prey in the air.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of the Jerdon's nightjar species is from March to July in India. The breeding season is from February to May and August to September in Sri Lanka. Eggs are laid on the bare ground. The clutch may have two eggs. The female incubates the eggs. The hatchlings, under threat, crawl and hide among the leaf litter.

Migration and movement patterns

The Jerdon's nightjar is a non-migrant resident bird. Post breeding, the juveniles may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. They may make local movements for feeding and breeding within their range.

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the Jerdon's nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis) has not been quantified. The overall population size of these nightjar species is considered to be stable. Throughout its range it is reported to be reasonably common. The generation length is 5.6 years. Their distribution size is about 1,410,000 sq.km.

The Jerdon's nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis) does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable either under the range size criterion or under the population trend criterion or under the population size criterion. The ongoing deforestation and destruction of the habitat, is the main threat that may endanger the survival of these species.

IUCN and CITES status

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the nightjar species and has listed it as of "Least Concern". CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the Jerdon's nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Caprimulgus atripennis
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Caprimulgiformes
Family:Caprimulgidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Caprimulgus
Species:C. atripennis
Binomial name:Caprimulgus atripennis
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
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Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JerdonsNightjar_DSC_0351.jpg
Image author: T. R. Shankar Raman | License: CC BY-SA 4.0
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Andaman nightjar

   ›      ›   Andaman nightjar - Caprimulgus andamanicus.

The Andaman nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus) belongs to the family of nightjars, Caprimulgidae.

These nightjar species are endemic to Andaman Islands, India. The Andaman nightjars are insectivorous and nocturnal birds, hawking their prey in the air. Earlier these species were considered subspecies of large-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) and recently separated from C. macrurus. The Andaman nightjars are monotypic species.

Overview & Quick Facts Description & Identification
Pictures of Andaman nightjar Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification Bird World

Andaman nightjar - Overview

  • Scientific name: Caprimulgus andamanicus
  • Species author: Hume, 1873
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Caprimulgus andamanicus A. O. Hume, 1873
  • Family: Caprimulgidae › Caprimulgiformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Andaman nightjar, Chinese: 安达曼夜鹰, French: Engoulevent des Andaman, German: Andamanen-Nachtschwalbe, Spanish: Chotacabras de Andamán, Russian: Andaman Nightjar, Japanese: Andaman Nightjar
  • Other names: Andaman Nightjar
  • Distribution: Endemic to Andaman Islands, India
  • Diet and feeding habits: flying insects
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)
The Andaman nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus) is closely related Caprimulgus atripennis, Caprimulgus manillensis, Caprimulgus celebensis and Caprimulgus macrurus.

Appearance, physical description and identification

The Andaman nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus) is a medium-sized nightjar measuring 23 to 27 cm in length.
The overall plumage is blackish brown. The crown is pale gray with thick black central streaks. The lower mantle and tertials are pale gray. Their plumage resembles tree bark, dry leaves or ground, providing the bird good camouflage.

These nightjar species have small feet which are of little use for walking and useful only for perching. They perch along a branch, rather than across it and are completely camouflaged in the daylight. The wings are long, narrow and pointed. The gray bill is short and there are bristles around the mouth. Their call is a continuous weak, short “tyuk tyuk” sound.

No authentic Image is available yet.

Origin, geographical range and distribution

These nightjar species are endemic to the Andaman Islands, India. They are probably present in all the main islands and the smaller islands.

Ecosystem and habitat

These nightjar species have medium forest dependence. They inhabit tropical moist lowland and open forest ecosystems. These nightjar species inhabit tropical coastal forests, open teak forests, subtropical moist lowland, open country with scattered trees and tropical moist lowland.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of these nightjar species is mostly large insects. Insects like grasshoppers, locusts, cicadas, moths, beetles and wasps are the primary food. They are mostly active in the late evening, early morning and at night.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these nightjar species is from March to May in Andaman Islands. One or two eggs are laid directly on the bare ground.

Migration and movement patterns

These nightjar species are sedentary and resident birds in their range.
Post breeding dispersal of the juveniles takes place. They may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the Andaman nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus) has not been quantified. The overall population size of these species is considered to be stable. Throughout its range it is reported to be uncommon. The generation length is 5 years. Their distribution size is about 59,100 sq.km.

The Andaman nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus) does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable either under the range size criterion or under the population trend criterion or under the population size criterion. The forest degradation and deforestation going on in the Islands are the threats that may endanger the survival of these species.

IUCN and CITES status

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the nightjar species and has listed it as of "Least Concern". CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the Andaman nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Caprimulgus andamanicus
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Caprimulgiformes
Family:Caprimulgidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Caprimulgus
Species:C. andamanicus
Binomial name:Caprimulgus andamanicus
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
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Large-tailed nightjar

   ›      ›   Large-tailed nightjar - Caprimulgus macrurus.

The large-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) belongs to the family of nightjars, Caprimulgidae.

These nightjars are distributed in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Australia. The large-tailed nightjar species are locally common and abundant throughout much of their range. There are six recognized subspecies of these nightjars.

Overview & Quick Facts Description & Identification
Pictures Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification Bird World

Large-tailed nightjar - Overview

  • Scientific name: Caprimulgus macrurus
  • Species author: Horsfield, 1821
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Caprimulgus macrurus Horsfield, 1821
  • Family: Caprimulgidae › Caprimulgiformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Large-tailed nightjar, Chinese: 红角鸮, French: Petit-duc d’Orient German: Orient-Zwergohreule Spanish: Autillo oriental, Russian: Усурийская, Japanese: コノハズク, Indonesian: Burung Celepuk Asia, Malay: Burung Jampuk Kecil
  • Other names: Coffinbird, Long-tailed Nightjar, White-tailed Nightjar, graveyard nightjar
  • Distribution: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Timor-Leste, Australia
  • Diet and feeding habits: large flying insects like moths, crickets, grasshoppers, cicadas, wasps
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)
The large-tailed nightjar is closely related to Jerdon's nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis), Andaman nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus), Philippine nightjar (Caprimulgus manillensis) and Sulawesi nightjar (Caprimulgus celebensis).

The six recognized subspecies of the species Caprimulgus macrurus are: Caprimulgus macrurus schlegelii A. B. Meyer, 1874, Caprimulgus macrurus macrurus Horsfield, 1821, Caprimulgus macrurus salvadorii Sharpe, 1875, Caprimulgus macrurus johnsoni Deignan, 1955, Caprimulgus macrurus bimaculatus Peale, 1848 and Caprimulgus macrurus albonotatus Tickell, 1833.

Appearance, physical description and identification

The large-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is a medium-sized nocturnal bird, measuring 25 to 30 cm in length and weighing 55 to 90 grams.
The distinguishing characteristic of the large-tailed nightjar is the large, broad and long pale brown tail. These nightjar species are sexually dimorphic. The upperparts are grayish brown with blackish brown streaking. Their plumage resembles tree bark, dry leaves or sandy ground.

These nightjar species have small feet which are of little use for walking and useful only for perching. They perch along a branch, rather than across it and are completely camouflaged in the day light. The wings are long, narrow and pointed. The gray bill is short and there are bristles around the mouth. Their call is a continuous knocking, “tok, tok, tok, tok” sound.
Indian birds - Photo of Large-tailed nightjar - Caprimulgus macrurus
Birds of India - Image of Large-tailed nightjar - Caprimulgus macrurus
Birds of India - Picture of Large-tailed nightjar - Caprimulgus macrurus
Indian birds - Photo of Large-tailed nightjar - Caprimulgus macrurus
Image of Large-tailed nightjar - Caprimulgus macrurus
Birds of India - Picture of Large-tailed nightjar - Caprimulgus macrurus

Origin, geographical range and distribution

These large-tailed nightjar species are distributed in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Australia. The subspecies C. m. bimaculatus is distributed in Northeast India, China (Yunnan and Hainan Island).

The large-tailed nightjar subspecies C. m. albonotatus is distributed in northern Pakistan and northern and Northeast India, along the foothills of Himalayas, eastern India and Bangladesh. The subspecies C. m. johnsoni is distributed in southwest Philippines.

The large-tailed nightjar subspecies C. m. salvadorii is distributed in Borneo (Indonesia) and Philippine islands of Sulu. The subspecies C. m. macrurus is distributed in Java and Bali (Indonesia). The subspecies Caprimulgus macrurus schlegelii is distributed northern Australia, Lesser Sundas, New Guinea and Bismarck Archipelago.

Ecosystem and habitat

These large-tailed nightjar species have low forest dependency. They inhabit various ecosystems. They inhabit deciduous and open evergreen forests, farmlands, fallow agricultural fields, parks, rural gardens, plantations and degraded forests. They also inhabit submontane and montane moist subtropical or tropical forests, subtropical forests, dry tropical shrubland, temperate shrubland, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, dry savanna, wetlands and temperate forests. They occur in altitudes from 0 to 2700 meters.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of these nightjar species is mostly large insects. Insects like grasshoppers, locusts, cicadas, moths, beetles and wasps are the primary food. They are mostly active in the late evening, early morning and at night.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these large-tailed nightjar species is from March to May in northern India and Myanmar. The breeding season is from March to June in northern Thailand and is from January to September in Malaysia. They lay one or two eggs directly on bare ground.

Migration and movement patterns

These large-tailed nightjar species are sedentary and resident birds in their range.
Post breeding dispersal of the juveniles takes place. They may make local movements for feeding and breeding. Altitudinal movements may take place in winter.

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the large-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is not quantified. The overall population size of these nightjar species is considered to be stable. Throughout its ranges it is common and very abundant. Their generation length is 5.6 years.

The large-tailed nightjar does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable either under the range size criterion or under the population trend criterion or under the population size criterion. Habitat loss is the main threat to the survival of these species.

IUCN and CITES status

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the nightjar species Caprimulgus macrurus and has listed it as of "Least Concern". CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the large-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Caprimulgus macrurus
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Caprimulgiformes
Family:Caprimulgidae
Subfamily:Caprimulginae
Genus:Caprimulgus
Species:C. macrurus
Binomial name:Caprimulgus macrurus
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
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