Indian Nightjar
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| Indian Nightjar | ||||||||||||||
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| Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham, 1790 |
The Indian Nightjar, Caprimulgus asiaticus, is a small nightjar which is a resident breeder in India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
Open woodland, scrub, and cultivation is the habitat of this nocturnal bird. It flies after sundown with an easy, silent moth-like flight. During the day, Indian Nightjar lies silent upon the ground, concealed by its plumage; it is then difficult to detect, blending in with the soil.
No nest is made; the two beautifully marbled eggs are placed upon the bare ground; the brooding bird, sitting closely, is their best protection.
This common species frequently rests on roads during the night. This makes it easy to find in suitable habitat, since it is readily seen in vehicle headlights.
Indian Nightjar has variegated buff and brown plumage. At 24cm length, it is smaller than Jerdon's Nightjar, and differs from that species in its plainer tail, buff rear neck, and boldly marked shoulder feathers. It has a white patch on each wing. Like other nightjars, it has a wide gape, long wings, soft downy plumage and nocturnal habits.
Its call is a loud repetitive chuk-chuk-chuk-chuk. Nocturnal insects, such as moths, are its food.
Reference
- Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6