Caprimulgus asiaticus
The Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus) is a captivating crepuscular and nocturnal bird, renowned for its masterful camouflage and distinctive calls echoing across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Measuring approximately 21-25 cm in length with a wingspan of 45-50 cm, its plumage is an intricate mosaic of mottled grey, brown, rufous, and black, perfectly blending with leaf litter and dry ground. Key field marks include prominent white patches on the male's throat, sometimes wit...
This species thrives in open woodlands, scrublands, thorny bush country, cultivated areas, and rocky terrain with sparse vegetation. It is typically found from lowlands up to moderate elevations of around 1500 meters.
The Indian Nightjar is an insectivorous bird, primarily feeding on nocturnal flying insects such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and winged termites, captured through aerial hawking.
The Indian Nightjar is strictly crepuscular and nocturnal, spending its days motionless and perfectly camouflaged on the ground or perched lengthwise on a low branch, resembling a broken stump. Foraging primarily occurs at dusk and dawn, where it employs an aerial hawking strategy, sallying from ...
The Indian Nightjar boasts a wide distribution across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, primarily as a resident species with some local movements. Its breeding and year-round range encompasses most of India, extending into Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan at l...
Least Concern
- The name "nightjar" comes from the jarring, repetitive calls they make after dusk. - Old European folklore falsely accused nightjars (and their relatives) of "sucking milk from goats," giving them the common name "goatsuckers. - Their exquisitely camouflaged plumage makes them almost invisible ...