Grey Nightjar

Caprimulgus jotaka

Family: Nightjars and Nighthawks · Status: Uncommon migrant. · Size: 28–32 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds from the Himalayas to east Asia and Indochina and winters south through the Indian Subcontinent, the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Identification

Adult male is dark brown overall with heavy black vermiculation of the upperparts, small white throat patch, dark breast, scapulars with black and buff bars. In flight, small white wing patches and tail patches. Female has smaller wing patches and lacks white tail patches.

Habitat

Found in primary forest, secondary growth, plantations and wooded parks.

Behaviour

Unlike other nightjars in Singapore, usually perches high up on tree branches in the daytime rather than on the ground. Insectivorous.