Veles binotatus
The Brown Nightjar (Veles binotatus) is a medium-sized, highly cryptic nocturnal bird belonging to the Caprimulgidae family, known for its superb camouflage. Measuring approximately 23-26 cm in length, this nightjar exhibits a complex plumage pattern of mottled browns, rufous, black, and buff, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the forest floor or tree bark. Its most distinctive field mark, especially in males, are the two prominent white spots located on the primaries of each wing, giving ...
Found primarily in lowland primary and secondary rainforests, forest edges, and clearings, often in proximity to water sources. It typically inhabits elevations from sea level up to around 1,000 meters.
Exclusively insectivorous, primarily preying on moths and beetles, but also consuming other flying insects such as mosquitoes and termites, captured on the wing.
Strictly nocturnal and crepuscular, the Brown Nightjar spends its days motionless, roosting on the forest floor or perched lengthwise on a low branch, relying entirely on its cryptic plumage for concealment. Foraging occurs after dusk and before dawn, with the bird sallying from a perch or engagi...
The Brown Nightjar is a resident species found across a wide, though disjunct, distribution in West and Central Africa. Its range extends from Ghana and Togo in West Africa, eastward through southern Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. Further populations a...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'binotatus' directly translates to 'two-spotted,' referring to the distinctive white wing spots on the male. - Its extraordinary camouflage makes it nearly invisible during the day, allowing it to 'disappear' into the leaf litter or tree bark. - Like other nightjars, it poss...