Long-trained Nightjar
Macropsalis forcipata
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<div data-birdfyi="bird" data-slug="macropsalis-forcipata"></div>Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://birdfyi.com/iframe/bird/macropsalis-forcipata/" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://birdfyi.com/bird/macropsalis-forcipata/Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://birdfyi.com/bird/macropsalis-forcipata/)Use the native HTML custom element.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<birdfyi-bird slug="macropsalis-forcipata"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large Caprimulgidae nightjar (~111 g) of subtropical Atlantic forest and open country in southeastern Brazil. Males have extraordinary forked tails extending far beyond body length. Inhabits forest edges and clearings in Atlantic Forest remnants. Feeds on moths and large insects. Least Concern; some decline with deforestation.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 45.0 cm | 17.7 in |
| Weight | 111.25 g | 3.92 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male with extremely elongated outer tail feathers forming long train up to 60 cm; dark brown with buff and rufous mottling; white throat; white wing bar. Female lacks elongated tail; brown and buff mottled.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to southeastern Brazil (São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro); resident of Atlantic forest edge; vulnerable due to deforestation.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore; hawks moths and beetles in nocturnal flight over Atlantic Forest grassland and scrub.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO.
Sound
Song
Loud, resonant 'chuck' or 'tuck' notes; hollow knocking quality; calls from Atlantic Forest edge at night; males perform aerial display; alarm a rapid staccato bark
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Macropsalis |
| Species | Macropsalis forcipata |
Distribution
Long-trained Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
{# Distribution Map — simplified SVG world map with highlighted countries. Expects `country_codes` variable: list of ISO alpha-2 codes (e.g. ["US", "CA", "MX"]). Uses Alpine.js to toggle classes on country paths. #}countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Long-trained Nightjar eat?
Where does the Long-trained Nightjar live?
Is the Long-trained Nightjar endangered?
How does the Long-trained Nightjar nest?
What does the Long-trained Nightjar sound like?
How big is the Long-trained Nightjar?
What order and family does the Long-trained Nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family