Bates's Nightjar

Caprimulgus batesi

Least ConcernLegendaryInvertebratesForestScrapeMedium · 100 g

About the Bates's Nightjar

Bates's nightjar or the forest nightjar, is a bird species of the family Caprimulgidae, native to the Congolian rainforests.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

Bates's nightjar is a large, dark nightjar. At rest looks large headed and long tailed. The upperparts and wing coverts are dark brown marked with black and buff streaks and spots, with a normally indistinct buff collar on the hindneck which may be more obvious on some individuals. The underparts are blackish brown with buff speckling on the breast, becoming barred on the belly, the throat is whitish. In flight the male shows a small white spot towards the wingtip and white tips to the two outer tail feathers. The female is paler and lack white spots on the wings or outer tail. Voice: The song of Bates's nightjar is a loud "whow whowwhowwhowwhow" in which following the first note there is a pause then a repeated series of notes.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in August · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Bates's Nightjar for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.