| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | |||
;Caprimulgus atripennis | ;Caprimulgus atripennis | ||
| − | + | ==Identification== | |
| − | + | The Jerdon's Nightjar, Caprimulgus atripennis, is a medium-sized nightjar which is a resident breeder in southern India and Sri Lanka. Jerdon's Nightjar has variegated buff and brown plumage. At 28cm length, it is obviously larger than Indian Nightjar, and differs from that species in its barred tail, rufous rear neck, and wing bars. The male has a white patch on each wing. Like other nightjars, it has a wide gape, long wings, soft downy plumage and nocturnal habits. | |
| − | The Jerdon's Nightjar, Caprimulgus atripennis, is a medium-sized nightjar which is a resident breeder in southern India and Sri Lanka. | + | Its call is a fast repetitive ch-woo-woo. Nocturnal insects, such as moths, are its food. |
| − | + | This species was earlier considered synonymous with the Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrourus which occurs in northern India. | |
| − | Open woodland, scrub, and cultivation | + | ==Distribution== |
| − | + | ==Taxonomy== | |
| + | ==Habitat== | ||
| + | Open woodland, scrub, and cultivation. | ||
| + | ==Behaviour== | ||
| + | A nocturnal bird, it flies after sundown with an easy, silent moth-like flight. During the day, Jerdon's 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. | No nest is made; the two beautifully marbled eggs are placed upon the bare ground; the brooding bird, sitting closely, is their best protection. | ||
| − | |||
Unlike Indian Nightjar, this species rarely rests on roads during the night, preferring to alight on bushes. This makes it harder to spot, since it is not so readily seen in vehicle headlights. | Unlike Indian Nightjar, this species rarely rests on roads during the night, preferring to alight on bushes. This makes it harder to spot, since it is not so readily seen in vehicle headlights. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
[[Category:Birds]] [[Category:Missing Images]] | [[Category:Birds]] [[Category:Missing Images]] | ||
Revision as of 11:07, 4 June 2007
- Caprimulgus atripennis
Identification
The Jerdon's Nightjar, Caprimulgus atripennis, is a medium-sized nightjar which is a resident breeder in southern India and Sri Lanka. Jerdon's Nightjar has variegated buff and brown plumage. At 28cm length, it is obviously larger than Indian Nightjar, and differs from that species in its barred tail, rufous rear neck, and wing bars. The male 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 fast repetitive ch-woo-woo. Nocturnal insects, such as moths, are its food. This species was earlier considered synonymous with the Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrourus which occurs in northern India.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Habitat
Open woodland, scrub, and cultivation.
Behaviour
A nocturnal bird, it flies after sundown with an easy, silent moth-like flight. During the day, Jerdon's 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. Unlike Indian Nightjar, this species rarely rests on roads during the night, preferring to alight on bushes. This makes it harder to spot, since it is not so readily seen in vehicle headlights.
