Jerdon's Nightjar
Caprimulgus atripennis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-atripennis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized nightjar (24-26 cm) endemic to the Indian subcontinent, found in rocky hillsides and dry deciduous forests of southern India and Sri Lanka. Grey-brown plumage with intricate vermiculations. Nocturnal insectivore with a distinctive churring call at dusk.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 36.8 cm | 14.5 in |
| Weight | 58.0 g | 2.05 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark brownish-black upperparts with pale buff vermiculations; whitish supercilium and moustachial stripe; throat patch white; dark wings with buff-spotted coverts; lacks bold white wing patches of some relatives.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found across peninsular India and Sri Lanka, north to Nepal. Resident in dry deciduous forest, scrub jungle, and rocky terrain below 1,500 m.
Diet & Feeding
Nighttime insectivore catching large moths and beetles in sweeping aerial sallies over rocky hillsides and scrub.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Loud 'chuck-chuck-chuck-rrr'; hollow knocking 'chuck' notes preceding long trill; calls from South Indian scrub and forest edges; repeats phrase persistently at dusk
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus atripennis |
Distribution
Jerdon's Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Jerdon's Nightjar eat?
Where does the Jerdon's Nightjar live?
Is the Jerdon's Nightjar endangered?
How does the Jerdon's Nightjar nest?
What does the Jerdon's Nightjar sound like?
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What order and family does the Jerdon's Nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family