Montane Nightjar
Caprimulgus poliocephalus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-poliocephalus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized nightjar (23-24 cm) found in montane forests and high-altitude grasslands of eastern and southern Africa, from Ethiopia to South Africa. Grey-brown plumage with fine mottling. Nocturnal insectivore, feeding above the forest canopy. Resident at elevations above 1,500 m.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 31.1 cm | 12.2 in |
| Weight | 47.050000000000004 g | 1.66 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Grey-brown upperparts with fine blackish streaks; pale grey head contrasting slightly with browner back; white throat patch; underparts buff barred brown; inhabits high-altitude montane zones in East Africa.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found across the Indian subcontinent from Pakistan and Nepal south to Sri Lanka. Common in open scrub, rocky hillsides, and dry woodland.
Diet & Feeding
Nighttime aerial insectivore; moths and beetles are primary prey, caught by hawking over forest clearings.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Churring trill from East African highlands; repetitive 'churr-churr-churr'; slightly higher pitched than lowland species; calls from highland scrub and forest edge
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus poliocephalus |
Distribution
Montane Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Montane Nightjar eat?
Where does the Montane Nightjar live?
Is the Montane Nightjar endangered?
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What does the Montane Nightjar sound like?
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What order and family does the Montane Nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family