Indian Nightjar
Caprimulgus asiaticus
This nightjar is small and short-tailed with white corners to the tail, a golden nape and collar, dark cheeks and white patches on the sides of the throat. The crown is grey and the breast is finely barred in brown. The males have more white on the tail while the female is more heavily streaked on the crown. It is differentiated from Sykes's nightjar by the dark undertail and from Jerdon's nightjar by the shorter tail and white patches on the sides of the throat.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Large-tailed Nightjar
Caprimulgus macrurus
The large-tailed nightjar measures approximately 31.5 to 33 cm in length. The cryptic plumage and colouration of large-tailed nightjars provide effective camouflage within its natural habitat. Males exhibit distinctive markings, characterized by a pale crown with a dark median stripe. A prominent row of black scapular feathers, bordered by broad buff or whitish-buff fringes, enhances their striking appearance. Additionally, males possess a white throat patch and along, broad brown tail marked with uneven dark bars. Voice: Songs can be heard year-round, but vocal activity may vary depending on breeding activity, population density, and moon phase. The large-tailed nightjar has a distinctive, monotonous song that it uses to assert its territory. Territorial songs are typically given by males, but there are also reports of females giving these songs.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Where you might meet both
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Play today's Daily BirdPhotos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Indian Nightjar and Large-tailed Nightjar.