Mozambique Nightjar
Caprimulgus fossii
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-fossii"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small nightjar (22-24 cm) widespread across southern and eastern Africa. Grey-brown plumage with bold white wing and tail spots. Found in varied habitats from woodland to gardens. Nocturnal insectivore with a sustained churring song. Partial intra-African migrant.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 31.0 cm | 12.2 in |
| Weight | 61.7 g | 2.18 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Grey-brown upperparts with black streaks and pale buff freckling; white throat patch; underparts barred buff and dark brown; males show white outer tail corners; Southern African bird distinguished by greyer overall tone.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds in West Africa from Senegal east to Ethiopia. Intra-African migrant; male has extraordinary elongated flag-like wing feathers.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds nocturnally on flying insects, chiefly moths and beetles, by hawking low over arid scrub and desert margins.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO. Incubation: 14-17 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Loud churring trill; resonant 'charrr' from miombo woodland; calls from sandy ground at night; alarm a sharp 'churk'; one of southern Africa's most familiar nightjar calls
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus fossii |
Distribution
Mozambique Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Mozambique Nightjar eat?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family