Dusky Nightjar

Overview

The dusky nightjar, also known as the dusky whip-poor-will, is a nocturnal species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found exclusively in the highlands of Costa Rica and Panama. The species is currently assessed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Measures 21 to 25 cm in length with an adult weight of approximately 52 g.
• Males feature sooty black upperparts with fine reddish cinnamon spots and bars, while females have larger buff markings and a more reddish appearance.
• The throat and breast are sooty black with scattered white spots, separated by a narrow band of white and buff.
• The male song is a trilled, double-noted whistle described as 'prurrr prureee or prurrrr prruwhip'.

Habitat

This species inhabits the edges and openings of humid montane forest rather than its interior. It occurs in the highlands of Costa Rica and on Volcán Barú in Chiriquí Province, Panama, at elevations between 1,500 and 3,100 m.

Diet

The dusky nightjar is a nocturnal forager that sallies from perches several meters above the ground to catch flying insects. Beetles and moths appear to be the most prevalent items in its diet.

Did you know?

The breeding season spans from February or March into April, with only one nest ever described as a small grass-lined depression containing a single egg.