Scissor-tailed Nightjar
NameScissor-tailed Nightjar
Common NameScissor-tailed Nightjar
Scientific NameHydropsalis climacocerca
FamilyCaprimulgidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsCryptic mottled brown, grey, and buff plumage with intricate patterns of streaks and spots, providing excellent camouflage against bark and leaf litter. Males often have white patches on the outer tail feathers and sometimes on the wings.
Vocalization / CallA series of rapid, high-pitched "twick-twick-twick" notes, often described as a trill or a repetitive, fast, and high-pitched call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the Amazon Basin in South America, including parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guyanas, typically near rivers and water bodies.
Identifying Featurescryptic plumage, large dark eyes, prominent rictal bristles, elongated and graduated tail, nocturnal/crepuscular activity
Description
This nocturnal bird is characterized by its superb camouflage, blending seamlessly with tree bark or leaf litter. It has large eyes for low-light vision and a wide gape for catching insects in flight, often displaying an elongated, graduated tail.
