White-tailed Nightjar

Overview

The white-tailed nightjar (Hydropsalis cayennensis) is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae found in the tropical regions of Central and South America. Although classified as Least Concern due to its large range and population, the species is believed to be decreasing in number.

Identification

• Length of 20 to 22.5 cm with males weighing 33 to 40 g and females 32 to 38 g.
• Males have greyish-brown uppersides with a white or buffy supercilium, a white band on the wings, and a tail that is mostly white except for the innermost feathers.
• Females are darker and lack white on the wings and tail, featuring a buffy throat and brownish breast.
• The call is described as a high, thin "pt-cheeeeeeeee" followed by a long-drawn-out, rising whistle that falls slightly at the end.

Habitat

This species inhabits open landscapes such as savanna, pastures, scrubby grasslands, and hillsides with scattered bushes and thickets. Its range extends across the ABC Islands, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Martinique, Panama, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.

Diet

The white-tailed nightjar is nocturnal and primarily feeds on insects. It forages by sallying from the ground or perches, but will also hunt in flight low over open grasslands.

Did you know?

Eggs are laid directly on the ground with a clutch size of two, and only the female is responsible for incubating them.