Little Nightjar

Overview

The little nightjar (Setopagis parvula) is a small species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is currently assessed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its very large range and stable population.

Identification

• Measures 19 to 21 cm in length and weighs between 25 and 46.5 g.
• Males are generally grayish brown with buff, brown, and blackish brown spots and streaks, featuring a buff belly with brown bars, a broad indistinct buff collar on the hindneck, a buffy chin, and a white throat.
• Males display a broad white band on the wing and white tips on the outer tail feathers, whereas females lack these white markings and possess a buff throat instead.
• The song is described as a rattling, clacking, flat, and unbirdlike sound produced in a pattern of 'hurr-ee quick quick quick quick quick quick'.

Habitat

Found across eastern Peru, Bolivia, central and northeastern Brazil to the Atlantic coast, and south through southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay to central Argentina. It inhabits brushy savanna, the interior and edges of open woodland and forest, and plantations of non-native Eucalyptus, ranging in elevation from sea level to about 1,500 m. In much of the southern part of its range, and possibly in Peru, it is believed to be migratory, moving north and east during the austral winter.

Diet

Being nocturnal, it forages by sallying from the ground or a low perch, and possibly during continuous flight. Its diet consists of insects, with members of at least five orders identified as part of its consumption.

Did you know?

Its vocalisation is notably described as a 'rattling, clacking, flat, unbirdlike sound', distinguishing it from the typical melodic songs associated with many other bird species.