Caprimulgus solala
The Nechisar Nightjar, *Caprimulgus solala*, is one of the world's most enigmatic and least-known avian species, famously identified from a single wing specimen found in 1990 by Dr. J.S. Ash. Its scientific name, 'solala,' is Amharic for 'only one,' reflecting its unique discovery. This medium-sized nightjar, estimated to be around 20-23 cm in length, possesses an incredibly cryptic plumage of mottled grey-browns, rufous, and blackish streaking, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its dry gr...
This elusive nightjar inhabits open grassy plains, dry savanna, and acacia scrubland, typically found at lower elevations within Ethiopia's Rift Valley system.
Its diet consists exclusively of insects, predominantly moths and beetles, which it captures during flight.
As a strictly nocturnal and crepuscular species, the Nechisar Nightjar spends its days roosting cryptically on the ground or on low branches, expertly camouflaged against its surroundings. Its primary foraging strategy involves aerial hawking, where it sallies from a low perch or the ground to ca...
The Nechisar Nightjar is a truly unique species, known exclusively from a highly restricted range within the African continent. All confirmed sightings and specimens originate from Nechisar National Park in southern Ethiopia, specifically within the plains and savanna habitats surrounding the par...
Data Deficient
- The Nechisar Nightjar was initially described solely from a single, severed wing found in 1990, making its discovery one of the most unusual in ornithological history. - After its discovery from a wing, a live specimen was not observed or photographed for nearly two decades, finally being seen ...