Jerdon's Nightjar

Overview

Jerdon's nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis) is a medium-sized nocturnal bird native to southern India and Sri Lanka. Formerly considered a subspecies of the long-tailed nightjar, it is now recognised as a distinct species. The common name commemorates Thomas C. Jerdon, who described the bird.

Identification

• Size and build: Approximately 26 cm in length, slightly larger than the Indian nightjar, with long wings and a wide gape.
• Plumage: Cryptic, variegated buff and brown body with fine vermiculations on the crown, a blackish collar, a rufous rear neck, wing bars, and a barred tail; males have white wing patches.
• Song: Distinctive call resembling a wooden plank being beaten periodically, ending in a quaver, or described as a fast repetitive 'ch-woo-woo'.
• Flight: Easy, silent fluttering flight at dusk that appears similar to an outsized moth.

Habitat

This species inhabits open woodland, scrub, and cultivated areas in southern India and Sri Lanka. It is a nocturnal bird that lies concealed on the ground during the day and flies after sundown.

Diet

Jerdon's nightjar feeds on nocturnal insects, such as moths. Unlike the Indian nightjar, it rarely rests on roads at night, preferring to alight on bushes which makes it less visible to vehicle headlights.

Did you know?

No nest structure is built; the two marbled eggs are placed directly on the bare ground, relying on the brooding bird's camouflage plumage for protection.