Large-tailed Nightjar

Caprimulgus macrurus

Family: Nightjars and Nighthawks · Status: Very common resident · Size: 31.5–33 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Resident in northeast India to China, across Southeast Asia, and northern Australia.

Identification

Largest and most frequently encountered nightjar in Singapore. Adult male has a pale crown with dark median stripe, prominent row of black scapulars with broad buff/whitish-buff outer fringes, large white/buffish-white patch on lower throat, brown tail with uneven dark bars and often shows a rufescent-tinged nape. In flight, large white patches on primaries and outer tail feathers. Female is paler and greyer on upperparts and breast, with smaller buff-coloured wing patches.

Habitat

Commonly found in secondary forest, forest edge, wooded parks.

Behaviour

Rests on or near the ground during the daytime. During the night, hawks nocturnal flying insects and sometimes perches near streetlights to hunt moths.