Red-necked Nightjar
Caprimulgus ruficollis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-ruficollis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large Caprimulgidae nightjar (~86 g) breeding in open pine forest and scrub of Iberia and northwestern Africa, wintering in sub-Saharan West Africa. A rufous collar is distinctive among Palearctic nightjars. Calls with a loud rhythmic 'kutuk-kutuk' at night. Feeds on large moths. Near Threatened from habitat loss.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 39.6 cm | 15.6 in |
| Weight | 86.33333333333333 g | 3.05 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large nightjar; grey-brown mottled above; rufous-orange hindneck collar diagnostic; white throat patch in male; white spots on wing coverts and outer tail in male; buff equivalents in female.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds on the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, and northwestern Algeria; long-distance migrant wintering in sub-Saharan West Africa from Senegal to Guinea.
Diet & Feeding
Hawks large moths, beetles, and flying insects at night over Iberian and North African scrub and open woodland.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO. Incubation: 14-19 days. Fledging: 16-18 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Loud, resonant 'cut-CHER-cut' or 'cotcorotcot'; far-carrying hollow knocking; churring trill between phrases; calls from scrubby Mediterranean habitats at night
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus ruficollis |
Distribution
Red-necked Nightjar has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Red-necked Nightjar eat?
Where does the Red-necked Nightjar live?
Is the Red-necked Nightjar endangered?
How does the Red-necked Nightjar nest?
What does the Red-necked Nightjar sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family