Rufous-bellied Nighthawk
Lurocalis rufiventris
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<birdfyi-bird slug="lurocalis-rufiventris"></birdfyi-bird>The Rufous-bellied Nighthawk (Lurocalis rufiventris) is a bird species in the family Caprimulgidae (nightjars), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 40.6 cm and a weight of 104.5 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium Caprimulgidae nighthawk (~105 g) of montane forest edges and humid foothill zones from Colombia to Bolivia. Rufous underparts contrast with dark upperparts; a white throat patch is visible. Hawk-like flight above the forest at dusk and dawn. Seldom recorded; biology little known. Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 40.6 cm | 16.0 in |
| Weight | 104.5 g | 3.69 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark sooty-brown above with buff and chestnut spotting; distinctive rufous-orange belly contrasting with dark breast; no white wing bar; short rounded tail; rufous tone on underparts unique among nighthawks.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of Andean foothills and montane forest edge from Colombia and Venezuela south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia, at 500–2,000 m.
Diet & Feeding
Catches large flying insects in nocturnal aerial pursuit over Andean forest and forest edge.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
Deep, hollow 'wok-wok' series; resonant frog-like calls from Andean forest canopy; lower in pitch than Short-tailed Nighthawk; carries across mountain valleys
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Lurocalis |
| Species | Lurocalis rufiventris |
Distribution
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk has been recorded in 4 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Rufous-bellied Nighthawk eat?
Where does the Rufous-bellied Nighthawk live?
Is the Rufous-bellied Nighthawk endangered?
What does the Rufous-bellied Nighthawk sound like?
How big is the Rufous-bellied Nighthawk?
What order and family does the Rufous-bellied Nighthawk belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family