Caprimulgus andamanicus
The Andaman Nightjar, *Caprimulgus andamanicus*, is a medium-sized, highly cryptic nocturnal bird, measuring approximately 23-26 cm in length with a weight typically ranging from 55-65 grams. Its plumage is a masterpiece of camouflage, featuring intricate mottling of browns, grays, rufous, and black that allows it to blend seamlessly with leaf litter or tree bark during its diurnal roosts. Key field marks for identification include the absence of a prominent nuchal collar, distinguishing it f...
The Andaman Nightjar primarily inhabits lowland forests, favoring edges, secondary growth, clearings, and open woodland areas, including rubber plantations, across its island range.
The Andaman Nightjar is an insectivore, feeding primarily on moths, beetles, and other flying insects caught in aerial pursuit.
As a strictly nocturnal and crepuscular species, the Andaman Nightjar spends its days motionless, perfectly camouflaged, typically roosting on the ground amidst leaf litter or horizontally on low tree branches. Its foraging strategy involves aerial hawking, where it sallies forth from a low perch...
The Andaman Nightjar is strictly endemic to the Andaman Islands, an archipelago belonging to India in the Bay of Bengal. Its breeding and year-round distribution is confined to these islands, with no known occurrences or breeding records outside this specific geographic area. Within the Andaman I...
Least Concern
- The Andaman Nightjar was only recognized as a distinct species in recent decades, having previously been considered a subspecies of the Savanna Nightjar or Grey Nightjar. - Its scientific name, *andamanicus*, directly refers to the Andaman Islands, where it is found exclusively. - Like all nigh...