Slender-tailed Nightjar

Caprimulgus clarus

Least Concern · IUCN Red List

LCLeast ConcernInvertebratesShrublandScrapeSmall · 43 g

ID tip

The slender-tailed nightjar is a medium-sized nightjar, measuring approximately 25–28 cm in length. It has cryptically patterned brown, grey, and black plumage, providing effective camouflage against dry ground and leaf litter. The head is relatively large and flattened, with a small bill and a very wide gape adapted for catching insects in flight. The tail is long and tapered, with the central feathers extending beyond the others, giving rise to the species’ common name. Sexes are similar in appearance, though males may show slightly more prominent pale patches on the wings.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Slender-tailed Nightjar

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Slender-tailed Nightjar

Regular rangeRare visitor

The map shades 4 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

Recorded as a rare visitor in Somalia.

About the Slender-tailed Nightjar

The slender-tailed nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in parts of eastern and central Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

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