Savanna Nightjar

Caprimulgus affinis

Family: Nightjars and Nighthawks · Status: Uncommon resident · Size: 25–25.5 cm · Conservation: Not Evaluated

Range

Breeds in the Indian subcontinent to southern China and Taiwan, Indochina, Singapore and Indonesia.

Identification

Smallest and palest local nightjar. Adults have uniformly coloured upperparts heavily vermiculated brownish-grey. Lesser coverts brown speckled pale buff; rest of wing-coverts paler, boldly spotted pale buff; scapulars blackish-brown, broadly edged buffish on outer web. Distinct roundish buff or buff-white patch on each side of throat. Males have white outer tail feathers and large white wing patches; females have smaller, buff-tinged wing patches and lack the white outer tail feathers.

Habitat

Open grassland, barren land, scrub and sometimes urban areas; may roost on roofs of buildings.

Behaviour

Usually seen resting on the ground in the daytime. Insectivorous; forages in flight, often high above ground, hawking insects.