Sombre Nightjar
Caprimulgus fraenatus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-fraenatus"></birdfyi-bird>The Sombre Nightjar (Caprimulgus fraenatus) is a bird species in the family Caprimulgidae (nightjars), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 32.4 cm and a weight of 60 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium-sized nightjar (23-25 cm) with cryptic grey-brown plumage and a pale collar. Nocturnal and insectivorous, hawking moths and beetles in flight. Found in open woodland and savanna across sub-Saharan Africa from Ethiopia to South Africa. Resident or short-distance migrant.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 32.4 cm | 12.8 in |
| Weight | 60.0 g | 2.12 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Uniformly dark sooty-brown upperparts with dense blackish vermiculations; pale buff supercilium and narrow white submoustachial stripe; underparts barred buff and dark brown. Sexes similar.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found across East Africa from Ethiopia and Somalia south to Tanzania. Resident in dry acacia scrub, thornbush, and arid savanna at low elevations.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds at night on flying insects including moths and beetles; hunts with buoyant erratic flight over forest gaps.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Monotonous churring trill; repetitive 'churr' at moderate tempo from East African scrub; lower-pitched and less musical than some relatives; calls persistently at night
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus fraenatus |
Distribution
Sombre Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Sombre Nightjar eat?
Where does the Sombre Nightjar live?
Is the Sombre Nightjar endangered?
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What does the Sombre Nightjar sound like?
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What order and family does the Sombre Nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family