Bates's Nightjar
Caprimulgus batesi
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-batesi"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized nightjar (24-26 cm) of lowland primary rainforest in the Gulf of Guinea region of West and Central Africa. Dark brown plumage. Nocturnal insectivore, feeding in the forest interior. Poorly known due to secretive habits and dense forest habitat.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 37.1 cm | 14.6 in |
| Weight | 100.5 g | 3.55 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large and very dark; blackish-brown upperparts with minimal pale patterning; small white throat spot; underparts dark brown with buff barring; one of the darkest nightjars, inhabiting dense Central African rainforests.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found across West Africa from Gambia east to Sudan and south to the DRC. Resident in open savanna. Male has spectacular elongated tail feathers.
Diet & Feeding
Nighttime aerial hunter of moths and large beetles; forages in low-level coursing flight above grassland and bush.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO.
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
Deep, resonant churring trill; one of larger African Caprimulgus; low hollow 'churrrr' from Central African rainforest; calls at night from dense lowland forest
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus batesi |
Distribution
Bates's Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bates's Nightjar eat?
Where does the Bates's Nightjar live?
Is the Bates's Nightjar endangered?
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What does the Bates's Nightjar sound like?
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What order and family does the Bates's Nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family