Fiery-necked Nightjar
Caprimulgus pectoralis
The Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis) is a uncommon nightjars and nighthawk found in 25 countries, weighing about 51 g. The fiery-necked nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae, which is found mostly in Africa south of the equator, though it has been spotted in a few countries north of the equator.
About the Fiery-necked Nightjar
The fiery-necked nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae, which is found mostly in Africa south of the equator, though it has been spotted in a few countries north of the equator. It is most often found in woodland savannas or other deciduous woodlands. It is usually distinguished by its tawny coloured collar which gives the species its common name. It has a distinctive call that many have rendered as 'good-lord-deliver-us'. The fiery-necked nightjar is an insectivorous species that mostly eats butterflies, moths and other insects. The fiery-necked nightjar breeds after the dry season and typically produce two clutches with two eggs per clutch.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
What the Fiery-necked Nightjar sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Senegal, Congo - Brazzaville.
When to see it
The Fiery-necked Nightjar can be seen all year round, with peak activity in September. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Fiery-necked Nightjar?
- An adult fiery-necked nightjar is relatively small measuring between 23 and 25 centimeters. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Fiery-necked Nightjar?
- The Fiery-necked Nightjar is a small sized bird weighing about 51 g.
- Where can you see a Fiery-necked Nightjar?
- The Fiery-necked Nightjar occurs in 25 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana.
- What does a Fiery-necked Nightjar sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Fiery-necked Nightjar on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Fiery-necked Nightjar?
- The Fiery-necked Nightjar is most easily confused with the Savanna Nightjar, the Large-tailed Nightjar and the Indian Nightjar.
- Is the Fiery-necked Nightjar endangered?
- The Fiery-necked Nightjar is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Fiery-necked 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.
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