Pygmy Nightjar
Nyctipolus hirundinaceus
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About
One of the smallest Caprimulgidae nightjars (~29 g), endemic to the caatinga and cerrado of eastern Brazil. Extremely tiny; pale buff and dark cryptic plumage. Roosts on sandy or stony ground. Named for its swift, swallow-like flight. Feeds on tiny insects at dusk. Least Concern in its open dry-land habitats.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 24.8 cm | 9.8 in |
| Weight | 29.0 g | 1.02 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Tiny; brown and buff mottled above with rufous tones; pale buff below with brown barring; white throat patch in male; buff throat in female; no white wing markings; small white tail spots in male.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to northeastern Brazil (Bahia, Pernambuco, Piauí); resident of caatinga scrub and dry woodland; very restricted range.
Diet & Feeding
Hawks small flying insects at night over Brazilian scrub (caatinga) and open forest.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
High, thin churring trill; rapid 'chi-chi-chi' series; tiny for a nightjar; high-pitched reedy quality; calls from caatinga scrub at dusk; contact a thin 'tsip'
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Nyctipolus |
| Species | Nyctipolus hirundinaceus |
Distribution
Pygmy Nightjar has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Pygmy Nightjar eat?
Where does the Pygmy Nightjar live?
Is the Pygmy Nightjar endangered?
What does the Pygmy Nightjar sound like?
How big is the Pygmy Nightjar?
What order and family does the Pygmy Nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family