Antrostomus cubanensis
The Cuban Nightjar (Antrostomus cubanensis) is an enigmatic and exquisitely camouflaged nocturnal bird, endemic to the island of Cuba. Measuring approximately 22-24 cm (8.7-9.4 inches) in length, its plumage is a masterful blend of mottled browns, grays, and blacks, interspersed with buff and rufous streaks, allowing it to disappear seamlessly into leaf litter or tree bark. A key distinguishing field mark for the male is a prominent white throat band and white tips on the outer tail feathers,...
This nightjar primarily inhabits dry to semi-humid forests, pine woodlands, and scrubby areas, often near clearings, found from lowlands to moderate elevations.
Its diet consists almost exclusively of large nocturnal insects, primarily moths, beetles, and grasshoppers, captured in flight using its wide mouth.
The Cuban Nightjar is strictly nocturnal, becoming active at dusk and remaining so until dawn, spending its days motionless and perfectly camouflaged on the ground amidst leaf litter or perched horizontally on a low branch. It employs an aerial hawking foraging strategy, sallying from a perch or ...
The Cuban Nightjar is a resident species found exclusively on the island of Cuba. Its distribution extends across the main island, inhabiting suitable forested and scrubby habitats from the western provinces like Pinar del Río, through central regions including Matanzas and Sancti Spíritus, to th...
Least Concern
- The Cuban Nightjar is strictly endemic to Cuba, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. - Its scientific name, *cubanensis*, and its distinctive call, often transcribed as 'cu-BA-no!', are thought to be directly related. - This master of camouflage spends its days virtually invisible, bl...