Standard-winged Nightjar

Description

The Standard-winged Nightjar is a medium-sized nocturnal bird known for its superb camouflage, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its terrestrial surroundings, as demonstrated in the image. Its plumage is typically mottled with shades of brown, grey, and black, providing excellent concealment on sandy or leaf-littered ground. The most distinctive feature, clearly visible in the provided image, are the two extremely elongated primary feathers (often referred to as 'standards' or 'streamers') that extend from the wings of breeding males. These standards consist of a long, bare shaft with a broad, flag-like vane at the tip. In the image, one such streamer is visible extending forward from the bird, and another backward, lying on the ground. These unique feathers are used in display during the breeding season. Like other nightjars, it has large eyes for nocturnal vision and a small bill with a wide gape for catching insects in flight.