Savanna Nightjar

Savanna Nightjar

Scientific Name: Caprimulgus affinis

Malay Name: Tukang Padang

Chinese Name: 林夜鹰

Range: Breeding Range: Resident in Indian subcontinent, southern China, Taiwan, Sundas, Philippines, Sulawesi. Scarce to uncommon resident in South-east Asia.

Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: monticolus, amoyensis, stictomus, affinis, propinquus, timorensis.

Local Subspecies: affinis

Size: 25-25.5 cm

Identification: Smallest and palest local nightjar. Upperparts uniform and heavily vermiculated brownish-grey. Lesser coverts brown speckled pale buff, rest of wing coverts paler, boldly spotted pale buff, scapulars blackish brown, broadly edged buff/whitish on outer web. Male: White outer tail feathers. Large white wing patches. Distinct roundish white/buff-white patch on each side of throat. Female: Lack white outer tail feathers. Smaller and buff wing patches,

Similar looking species: Grey Nightjar, Large-tailed Nightjar

Habitat: Open grassland, barren land, scrub and sometimes urban areas resting on roofs of buildings.

Behaviour/Ecology: Usually seen resting on the ground in daytime. Active in nighttime.

Local Status: Uncommon resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

References:

BirdLife International. (2016). Caprimulgus affinis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22689985A93255114.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

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