Caprimulgus griseatus
The Chirruping Nightjar, Caprimulgus griseatus, is a small, cryptic nocturnal bird native to Southeast Asia, renowned for its distinctive vocalizations. Measuring approximately 23-28 cm in length, it exhibits the classic nightjar silhouette with a flattened head, large eyes, a short bill, and long, pointed wings. Its plumage is a masterpiece of camouflage, dominated by intricately mottled and streaked patterns of grey, brown, rufous, and black, perfectly blending with forest floor litter or t...
Found in lowland and hill forests, secondary growth, forest edges, and open areas with scattered trees, typically from sea level up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of nocturnal insects including moths, beetles, and crickets, caught in flight.
Strictly nocturnal, the Chirruping Nightjar spends its days motionless, perfectly camouflaged, roosting on the ground among leaf litter or lengthwise on a low tree branch. As dusk falls, it becomes active, primarily foraging on the wing, sallying from a low perch or in continuous, buoyant flight ...
The Chirruping Nightjar is endemic to the Philippines, Sulawesi, and several surrounding smaller islands in Indonesia, exhibiting a somewhat fragmented but widespread distribution. In the Philippines, it is found across numerous islands including Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan, Negros, Panay, Cebu, Mind...
Least Concern
- The Chirruping Nightjar's scientific name, Caprimulgus, translates to 'goat-sucker,' stemming from an ancient myth that these birds suckled goats at night; in reality, they were just hunting insects near livestock. - Its intricate plumage provides such perfect camouflage that it can be nearly i...