Freckled Nightjar
Caprimulgus tristigma
The Freckled Nightjar (Caprimulgus tristigma) is a rare nightjars and nighthawk found in 25 countries, weighing about 79 g. The freckled nightjar or freckled rock nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae.
About the Freckled Nightjar
The freckled nightjar or freckled rock nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It has a wide yet patchy distribution throughout the Afrotropics.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The freckled nightjar is a large, powerfully-build species of nightjar with long wings and relatively short tails. They lack any prominent markings and appear dark gray or nearly black from a distance. At closer range, white, cinnamon, and pale buff freckling is visible on the upperparts of adults. Their underparts are typically dark brown with a whitish and cinnamon barring pattern. Their plumage provides excellent camouflage for rocky surfaces. They are sexually dimorphic. In flight, males have small white spots on the four outer primaries and their two outer tail feathers have white tips. Voice: This species sings in the early morning and evening, as well as on moonlit nights. The song can be variable but is typically in the form of a whistle consisting of two or three whow notes. It is typically repeated for 30 seconds or more at a time. From a distance, it may sound like a dog barking. The flight or threat call consists of two or three wock sounds delivered at a low frequency.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire.
When to see it
The Freckled Nightjar can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Freckled Nightjar?
- The freckled nightjar is a large, powerfully-build species of nightjar with long wings and relatively short tails. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Freckled Nightjar?
- The Freckled Nightjar is a medium sized bird weighing about 79 g.
- Where can you see a Freckled Nightjar?
- The Freckled Nightjar occurs in 25 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
- What birds look similar to a Freckled Nightjar?
- The Freckled Nightjar is most easily confused with the Jungle Nightjar, the Square-tailed Nightjar and the Rufous-cheeked Nightjar.
- Is the Freckled Nightjar endangered?
- The Freckled Nightjar is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Freckled Nightjar for real
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