Puerto Rican Nightjar
Antrostomus noctitherus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="antrostomus-noctitherus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small Caprimulgidae nightjar (~36 g) endemic to the dry limestone coastal scrub of southwestern Puerto Rico. Cryptically patterned grey-brown. Restricted to a tiny area of suitable habitat; population estimated at a few hundred pairs. Feeds on insects at night. Vulnerable from habitat conversion and introduced predators.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 26.5 cm | 10.4 in |
| Weight | 35.99 g | 1.27 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; grey-brown and buff mottled above with dark vermiculations; white gorget in male; pale buff barred underparts; white outer tail spots in male; buff tail in female; critically small range in SW Puerto Rico.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to Puerto Rico; critically endangered resident of karst limestone scrub and dry forest in the southwestern part of the island.
Diet & Feeding
Catches large flying insects, especially moths, at night over Puerto Rican dry limestone forest; endangered.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO. Incubation: 18-20 days. Fledging: 14 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Sharp 'took' or 'took-WHEEER'; distinctive two-note call; calls from dry coastal forest of Puerto Rico; endangered; calls less frequently than mainland relatives
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Antrostomus |
| Species | Antrostomus noctitherus |
Distribution
Puerto Rican Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Puerto Rican Nightjar eat?
Where does the Puerto Rican Nightjar live?
Is the Puerto Rican Nightjar endangered?
How does the Puerto Rican Nightjar nest?
What does the Puerto Rican Nightjar sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family