Long-tailed Nightjar
NameLong-tailed Nightjar
Common NameLong-tailed Nightjar
Scientific NameCaprimulgus climacurus
FamilyCaprimulgidae
Wingspan (cm)44
Length (cm)35
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsCryptic grey-brown and buff plumage, heavily mottled and barred with darker streaks, providing excellent camouflage. Males have greatly elongated, white-tipped outer tail feathers, while females have shorter tails. White patches are often visible on the wings in flight.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, repetitive, high-pitched 'churr' or 'trill' that can last for several minutes, often described as a 'whirring' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Sudan and south to Angola and Zambia.
Identifying Featuresextremely long outer tail feathers (especially males), cryptic mottled plumage, large dark eyes, flattened head, nocturnal habits, distinctive churring call
Description
A medium-sized, nocturnal bird known for its exceptionally long outer tail feathers, particularly in males. Its cryptic grey-brown plumage provides superb camouflage, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the ground during its daytime rest. It actively hunts flying insects at dusk and dawn.
