Large-tailed Nightjar
Caprimulgus macrurus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-macrurus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large nightjar (25-33 cm) widespread from South and Southeast Asia to Australasia. Brown plumage with bold rufous collar patches. Crepuscular and nocturnal, feeding on insects in forest clearings and edges. Recognizable by its persistent, rhythmic tok-tok-tok call.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 35.8 cm | 14.1 in |
| Weight | 69.16666666666667 g | 2.44 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Intricately patterned brown, black, and buff upperparts; pale supercilium contrasts with dark crown; white throat patch; males show conspicuous white outer tail feathers and white primary spots; long tail distinctive.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found from India and Sri Lanka east to the Philippines and northern Australia. Resident in forest edge, secondary growth, and plantations.
Diet & Feeding
Nocturnal feeder on flying insects including moths, beetles, and larger dipterans; hunts in low coursing flight.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO. Incubation: 16-22 days. Fledging: 14-35 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Loud, resonant 'chuck-chuck-churr'; hollow knocking notes with long trill; one of Asia's commonest nightjars; calls persistently from forest edges; carries great distance
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus macrurus |
Distribution
Large-tailed Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Large-tailed Nightjar eat?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family