Rufous Nightjar

Overview

The rufous nightjar (Antrostomus rufus) is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is a bird of a highly discontinuous distribution across Central and South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean.

Identification

• 25 to 30 cm long and reddish-brown plumage, with a buff collar and a white band under the throat.
• Upperparts have dark brown streaks; wings are spotted and barred but lack white, unlike many relatives.
• Males have large white spots on the outer tail feathers; females have pale buff tips.
• Song is a loud, staccato 'chup, whi-whi-RIoh' or 'chuck, wick-wick-WEEoo' given from a perch.

Habitat

Found in a variety of landscapes ranging from dry scrub and scrublands to primary and secondary forest in areas of varying humidity, from the dry Gran Chaco to the humid Amazon basin. Its distribution is highly discontinuous across countries in Central and South America, plus Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.

Diet

Its diet consists of insects, though specific details are lacking. It forages by making sallies from low perches such as branches or fenceposts.

Did you know?

The genus name Antrostomus combines Ancient Greek words for 'cavern' and 'mouth', a name likely inspired by its wide gape or habitat preferences, while the species epithet is simply Latin for 'red'.