Square-tailed Nightjar

Overview

The square-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii) is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae native to tropical and subtropical woodlands of the Afrotropics. It is alternatively known as the Gabon nightjar, Gaboon nightjar, or Mozambique nightjar.

Identification

• Although it does not possess a completely 'square tail', this shape serves as a distinguishing field mark.
• It is distinguished from the similarly plumaged slender-tailed nightjar by the latter's protruding central tail feathers.
• Its call consists of a prolonged churring that alternates between a fast and slow pace roughly every second.

Habitat

This species inhabits tropical and subtropical woodlands primarily south of the African equator. It is a resident in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, while acting as a seasonal visitor to regions like northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.

Did you know?

Unlike the similar long-tailed and slender-tailed nightjars, which produce fast and slow churrs respectively, the square-tailed nightjar's call alternates between these two paces roughly every second.