Fiery-necked Nightjar vs Savanna Nightjar

Fiery-necked Nightjar

Caprimulgus pectoralis

Small51 gWoodland

An adult fiery-necked nightjar is relatively small measuring between 23 and 25 centimeters. Their plumage is mostly a variegated grayish-brown and brownish-white colour. The fiery-necked nightjar has a distinct rufous collar, which are tawny coloured feathers located at the back of the neck, giving the species its common name. They have a large white throat patch. The feathers around their eyes and at their shoulders are chestnut brown. They have a light colored crown at the top of their head with a darker spot at the center. Black spots run down on either side the scapulas. Voice: The fiery-necked nightjar is best known for its very distinctive song. It consists of a series of mellow notes that many say sounds like "Good Lord, deliver us deliver us deliver us". This song is often preceded by a wind-up call. However, they can sometimes sing this wind-up call for a very long period and never switch to the full song.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Stephen Lowe · Dawn song · Udekwa Ranger post, Udzungwa mts, Tanzania · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Dave Brown · CC0

Savanna Nightjar

Caprimulgus affinis

Small59 gGrassland

The savanna nightjar measures 20-26cm in length, has a body weight of 54-110g, and a wingspan of 64cm, with size varying by subspecies, ranging from small to medium-large. Like other nightjars, they have long pointed wings and small legs and feet, indicating their reliance on flight over walking. The bill is wide, revealing a large gape when opened, and is surrounded by facial feathers, called rictal bristles. Their vermiculated grey-brown plumage, characteristic of all nightjars, makes them difficult to tell apart from other species based on sight alone. Voice: Savanna nightjars begin vocalisation during early dusk and can be heard throughout the night until dawn, becoming especially vocal during breeding. The characteristic "chwip" call is used for both marking territory and attracting females during breeding season. Females vocalise less, emitting soft squeaks during brooding.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Manoj Karingamadathil · Mathil, Kannur, Kerala, India · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: sucker69420 · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Fiery-necked Nightjar and Savanna Nightjar.