White-tailed Nightjar
Hydropsalis cayennensis
The White-tailed Nightjar (Hydropsalis cayennensis) is a rare nightjars and nighthawk found in 14 countries, weighing about 36 g. The white-tailed nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae.
About the White-tailed Nightjar
The white-tailed nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in the tropic regions of Central and South America.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-tailed nightjar is 20 to 22.5 cm (7.9 to 8.9 in) long. Males weigh 33 to 40 g (1.2 to 1.4 oz) and females 32 to 38 g (1.1 to 1.3 oz). Males of the nominate subspecies have grayish brown uppersides with brown to blackish brown speckles and streaks. Their face has a white or buffy supercilium and "moustache". The hindneck has a broad tawny buff collar. The wings are generally grayish to blackish brown with tawny and buffy markings. A white band shows on both the spread and folded wing.
Where it lives
When to see it
The White-tailed Nightjar can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-tailed Nightjar?
- The white-tailed nightjar is 20 to 22.5 cm (7.9 to 8.9 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-tailed Nightjar?
- The White-tailed Nightjar is a small sized bird weighing about 36 g.
- Where can you see a White-tailed Nightjar?
- The White-tailed Nightjar occurs in 14 countries, including Trinidad & Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Curaçao and Guyana.
- What birds look similar to a White-tailed Nightjar?
- The White-tailed Nightjar is most easily confused with the Ladder-tailed Nightjar and the Scissor-tailed Nightjar.
- Is the White-tailed Nightjar endangered?
- The White-tailed Nightjar is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-tailed Nightjar for real
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