Swamp Nightjar
Caprimulgus natalensis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-natalensis"></birdfyi-bird>The Swamp Nightjar (Caprimulgus natalensis) is a bird species in the family Caprimulgidae (nightjars), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 30.6 cm and a weight of 76.3 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium-sized nightjar (23-24 cm) found in moist grasslands, marshes, and vleis across sub-Saharan Africa. Warm brown plumage with distinctive white throat patches. Nocturnal insectivore that roosts on the ground in tall grass. Resident, locally nomadic during dry seasons.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 30.6 cm | 12.0 in |
| Weight | 76.3 g | 2.69 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Relatively large; dark brown upperparts with heavy blackish streaking and pale buff spotting; broad white throat patch; underparts barred buff and dark brown; often shows paler underpart ground colour than drier-habitat relatives.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Known from a single wing found in Ethiopia's Nechisar National Park. Possibly extinct; range and taxonomy uncertain. Critically Endangered.
Diet & Feeding
Night-active aerial insectivore catching moths, beetles, and grasshoppers in sustained low-altitude hunting flights.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Mellow churring trill; softer 'frog-like' chrrr from wetland margins; calls from papyrus and reed beds in Africa; lower and rounder than dryland nightjars
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus natalensis |
Distribution
Swamp Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Swamp Nightjar eat?
Where does the Swamp Nightjar live?
Is the Swamp Nightjar endangered?
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What does the Swamp Nightjar sound like?
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What order and family does the Swamp Nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family