Plain Nightjar
Caprimulgus inornatus
The Plain Nightjar (Caprimulgus inornatus) is a rare nightjars and nighthawk found in 25 countries, weighing about 50 g. The plain nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae.










About the Plain Nightjar
The plain nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It breeds in the southern Sahel, Southern Sudan, the Horn of Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. It migrates to lower latitudes - including central Congo and northern Tanzania. A rather plain looking nightjar with grey-brown, brown, and rufous morphs. Males have white spots on primaries, large white corners to tail, and no white on the throat. Females have buffy-brown wing spots, and no white on the tail.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Algeria, Eritrea, Mauritania.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- What does a Plain Nightjar look like?
- The plain nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae.
- How big is a Plain Nightjar?
- The Plain Nightjar is a small sized bird weighing about 50 g.
- Where can you see a Plain Nightjar?
- The Plain Nightjar occurs in 25 countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Saudi Arabia.
- What birds look similar to a Plain Nightjar?
- The Plain Nightjar is most easily confused with the Andaman Nightjar, the Donaldson Smith's Nightjar and the Sykes's Nightjar.
- Is the Plain Nightjar endangered?
- The Plain Nightjar is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Plain Nightjar for real
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