Grey Nightjar
Caprimulgus jotaka
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About
A medium Caprimulgidae nightjar (~84 g) of montane forest and forest edges in Japan, Korea, and northeastern China, wintering in Southeast Asia. Greyish brown with fine vermiculations. Recently split from the Jungle Nightjar. Males call with a nasal 'pyo-pyo' at dusk. Feeds on flying insects. Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 40.7 cm | 16.0 in |
| Weight | 84.4 g | 2.98 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Grey-brown above with pale buff vermiculations; grey tones stronger than Jungle Nightjar; white throat patch; white outer wing spots; white outer tail in male; buff throat and tail spots in female.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds in deciduous and mixed forest from far eastern Russia and northern China south to Korea and Japan; winters in southern and Southeast Asia.
Diet & Feeding
Hawks moths and large insects at dusk and night over East and SE Asian forest and open woodland.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO. Incubation: 16-19 days. Fledging: 17 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Persistent 'cawk-cawk-cawk'; hollow, frog-like notes repeated rapidly; calls from East Asian forests at night; higher-pitched variant churr also given; very persistent caller
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus jotaka |
Distribution
Grey Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Grey Nightjar eat?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family