Bird Guide

Indian Nightjar vs Savanna Nightjar

Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus)

Indian Nightjar

Caprimulgus asiaticus

Small42 gShrubland

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

Sonogram of the Indian Nightjar
Recorded by Mike Prince · Song · Jayamangali Blackbuck Sanctuary, Tumkur, Karnataka, India · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Parth Kansara · CC BY 4.0
Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis)

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

Sonogram of the Savanna Nightjar
Recorded by Manoj Karingamadathil · Mathil, Kannur, Kerala, India · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: sucker69420 · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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