Indian Nightjar
Caprimulgus asiaticus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-asiaticus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small nightjar (21-24 cm) widespread across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Sandy-grey plumage with a distinctive white throat patch and wing spots. Inhabits open scrub, farmland, and gardens. Nocturnal insectivore with a distinctive chuck-chuck-chuck call.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 29.5 cm | 11.6 in |
| Weight | 43.0 g | 1.52 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Greyish-brown upperparts with black-centred feathers and buff freckling; white throat patch; pale supercilium; males show white primary spots and outer tail corners; underparts barred buff-brown; widespread South Asian species.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Resident in forest edge, savanna, and open scrub across the island including arid southern regions.
Diet & Feeding
Nocturnal forager on flying insects; specialises in large moths and beetles in slow aerial passes over scrub.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Loud 'chuck-chuck-chuck-r'; rapid hollow knocking notes accelerating into a trill; carries far across South Asian scrub; distinctive rhythm; very persistent at night
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus asiaticus |
Distribution
Indian Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Indian Nightjar eat?
Where does the Indian Nightjar live?
Is the Indian Nightjar endangered?
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What does the Indian Nightjar sound like?
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What order and family does the Indian Nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family