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Nechisar Nightjar

Caprimulgus solala

Vulnerable
Wingspan
37.0 cm
Weight
79.0 g
Family
Caprimulgidae
Order
Caprimulgiformes

About

An enigmatic and critically rare nightjar known from a single specimen and feather samples collected in the Nechisar Plains of southern Ethiopia in 1990. No confirmed sightings since. Classified as Critically Endangered. Its ecology, range, and population remain virtually unknown.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 37.0 cm 14.6 in
Weight 79.0 g 2.79 oz

Identification

Plumage

Known from a single wing feather specimen; dark brownish-black with pale buff and tawny mottling; intricate fine vermiculations consistent with Caprimulgus pattern; extremely poorly known Ethiopian endemic.

Habitat & Range

Geographic Range

Found across the Sahel from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to Uganda and Kenya. Resident in open savanna and dry grassland.

Diet & Feeding

Nocturnal aerial insectivore; hawks moths and flying beetles over arid scrubland and rocky desert margins.

Conservation Status

Vulnerable
IUCN Red List

Sound

Song

Virtually unknown vocalizations; known only from a single wing feather; presumed churring song; critically rare Ethiopian endemic with essentially undescribed call

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts)
Family Caprimulgidae (Nightjars)
Genus Caprimulgus
Species Caprimulgus solala

Distribution

Nechisar Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Present Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Nechisar Nightjar eat?
Nocturnal aerial insectivore; hawks moths and flying beetles over arid scrubland and rocky desert margins.
Where does the Nechisar Nightjar live?
Found across the Sahel from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to Uganda and Kenya. Resident in open savanna and dry grassland.
Is the Nechisar Nightjar endangered?
The Nechisar Nightjar has a conservation status of Vulnerable.
What does the Nechisar Nightjar sound like?
Virtually unknown vocalizations; known only from a single wing feather; presumed churring song; critically rare Ethiopian endemic with essentially undescribed call
How big is the Nechisar Nightjar?
The Nechisar Nightjar has a wingspan of 37.0 cm, weight of 79.0 g.
What order and family does the Nechisar Nightjar belong to?
The Nechisar Nightjar (Caprimulgus solala) belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes and the family Caprimulgidae.

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