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Global
Nightjar Network
The 2026 GNN conference will take place on:
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3 November 2026
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4 November 2026
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5 November 2026
Want to present at this year's conference? Submit your abstract.
Want to attend this year's conference? Register today!
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Logo designed by Elora Grahame
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #16 🐐
🐦 Species Name: Common Poorwill
🔬 Scientific Name: Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
🌍 Status and Distribution: 🟢 Least Concern (LC), 🗺️🏝️ North & Central Americas
🦚 🌳 🥚 Description and Ecology: Named for its breathy, whistled call, the Common Poorwill is a small caprimulgid with typical cryptic plumage. They sport a white band across their lower throat/upper chest and pale spots at the ends of their tailfeathers - white in males and buff in females. Common Poorwills occupy open, arid to semi-arid grasslands and shrublands across most of western North America. Little is known about their non-breeding habitat (see “Interesting fact,” below). When roosting on the ground (in torpor or otherwise), they frequently select sites sheltered at the base of a rock or low vegetation. This, combined with their cryptic coloration, makes them especially difficult to detect when they are not active.
💡 Interesting fact: The Hopi, a Native American people, called Common Poorwills “Hölchoko,” which translates to “the sleeping one.” This name is derived from the poorwill’s unique ability to enter a deep torpor state overnight and for extended times during the winter in order to conserve energy and avoid struggling with limited food supplies and cold temperatures.
⚠️ Conservation Risks: Habitat loss 📉 by urbanization 🏢🚗 poses a risk to Common Poorwill populations.The current or anticipated impacts of climate change on this species are currently unknown, but could impact the cues they use to enter torpor. However, due to their extensive range and frequent sightings in the wild, this species is currently considered to be of low conservation concern.
📷 Photos by 1) Hugo Redona on iNaturalist 2) toastysn on iNaturalist 3) Margaret Gallagher on iNaturalist 4) Cheryl Beyer on iNaturalist
All photos obtained under a Creative Commons (CC) license
🗺️ Distribution map: BirdLife International (2021). Species factsheet: Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/common-poorwill-phalaenoptilus-nuttallii 20/04/2026
#gnn #poorwill #nightjar #goatsucker #bird #science #research #gotm](https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/670371694_17923699617298240_4111700185792488880_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=yvaaxJG4FvMQ7kNvwFkHSb1&_nc_oc=Adp8j5FWZN81fC98NHEPVlAVZQzZapdYKbAYmHMuhnO-xcvoXtOYvTujswO-rvueUCE&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQG-CNIE9_Tm5gm_2HIoMt7a7x9OzaxPnp4lQy_qzaCPDjMwNkFGAIGlAootov2RcyxirMPoRLGg&oh=00_Af3IdjfBcDwiI6pp8GebkqT9_Zd32lygtNbbWSpjLAuuvg&oe=69EC652F)
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #15 🐐
🐦 Species Name: Jerdon’s Nightjar
🔬 Scientific Name: Caprimulgus atripennis
🌍 Status and Distribution: 🟢 Least Concern (LC), 🗺️🏝️ India, Sri Lanka
🦚 🌳 🥚 Description and Ecology: This medium-sized caprimulgid is a nocturnal denizen of open woodlands, scrubland, and agricultural land in southern India and Sri Lanka. Jerdon’s Nightjar is best recognized by its unusual, undulating “bwr-wr-wr” call, reminiscent of a long, thin wooden plank resonating after being struck by a hard object. Males of this species display bright white patches near the tips of their wings and outer tail feathers; these appear buffy-brown in females. Visually, Jerdon’s Nightjar can be distinguished from similar species (e.g. Long-tailed and Large-tailed Nightjars - yes, these ARE two different species!) by its white throat patch, smaller white wing- and tail-patches, and less intricate patterning.
💡 Interesting fact: Jerdon’s Nightjar was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the Long-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus climacurus). Jerdon’s was split from Long-tailed Nightjar in the mid-1800s, once it was observed that individuals of each species co-occurring in the same area would not interbreed.
⚠️ Conservation Risks: Habitat loss 📉 by deforestation🪵🪓poses a risk to Jerdon’s Nightjar populations, contributing to their suspected decline. However, due to their extensive range and frequent sightings in the wild, this species is currently considered to be of low conservation concern.
📷 Photos by 1) htcheungnicky on iNaturalist 2) Avinash Bhagat on iNaturalist 3) Stephen Menezes on iNaturalist 4) Manuel Ruedi on iNaturalist
All photos obtained under a Creative Commons (CC) license
🗺️ Distribution map: BirdLife International (2024). Species factsheet: Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/jerdons-nightjar-caprimulgus-atripennis 14/03/2026
#gnn #nightjar #goatsucker #bird #science #research #gotm](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/651186704_17917714125298240_3690638080054018850_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=LR4gHE5Zy74Q7kNvwE8S2Bc&_nc_oc=AdpvUVMJeON7Dbnl83bR-Q2sazYxNQ6cGtXDEf9jFloMLKJ8ylIOzk0_Awsz3Y9EQ4w&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHQlUlcqgiURuhBASykqOLj0J8KpS2AKmZr_m8q9SoNzrO0mEy5TVnmqXb6lQ6lj_7XQNoGTjBu&oh=00_Af0ltzP9NZGNqz126-kKF07sq_j5WBBHsP1VKLyTqqn9Iw&oe=69EC525E)
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #14 🐐
🐦 Species Name: Jamaican Poorwill
🔬 Scientific Name: Siphonorhis americana
🌍 Status and Distribution: 🔴 Critically Endangerted (PE), 🗺️ Jamaica
🦚 🌳 🥚 Description and Ecology: Found only in Jamaica, the last confirmed observation of this species occurred in 1860. Jamaican Poorwills have cryptic, mottled plumage typical of Caprimulgids, but they also sport a distinctive white throat patch and white spots on the ends of all but their center tail feathers. The few specimens collected from this species came from the south side of Jamaica, implying that this species occupied the semi-arid woodlands or low-elevation open landscapes.
💡 Interesting fact: Jamaican Poorwills have unique tubular nostrils (approximately 2 mm long) that differentiated it from its Caprimulgid on the mainland.
⚠️ Conservation Risks: 📉 Invasive Predators 🐀 & Habitat Loss 🪓🪵 - The Jamaican Poorwill may have been driven to extinction by introduced rats and mongooses along with habitat loss. However, it cannot yet be considered extinct due to recent unconfirmed reports of this species, and its continued existence may have been missed by surveys due to the cryptic and secretive nature typical of nightjars. Any remaining population is likely to be tiny.
📷 Images by 1) Illustration by George Edward Lodge, 1907 2)
All photos obtained under a Creative Commons (CC) license
BirdLife International (2020). Species factsheet: Jamaican Poorwill Siphonorhis americana. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/jamaican-poorwill-siphonorhis-americana 10/02/2026
🗺️ Distribution map:
#gnn #nightjar #goatsucker #poorwill #jamaicanpoorwill #birdnerd #bird #science #research #gotm](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/629451617_17913070062298240_3670388874523128352_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=sKl9wz4s6QEQ7kNvwFUONWb&_nc_oc=AdqGddiHiEeyoK4psFyL-MRYjOyvUF9TJumvtJqqHEn4pRvmHtzLwQMyzlJoLYzGadQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEXhyPh3vy84lAVcJtw9eM9NlUXJZT_AjjmH30kdlJ5nzQx4AtTrNVUu0o2Dph_N9vZ9oJrdkGk&oh=00_Af3eeId4byBPPVn1Q0Cltdjj8Yy2OJAkfI4_zyMMBvzAFA&oe=69EC4121)
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #2026/1 🐐
🐦 Species Name: Indian Nightjar
🔬 Scientific Name: Caprimulgus asiaticus
🌍 Status and Distribution: 🟢 Least Concern (LC) | As the name suggests 🕌, it occurs from Pakistan to Vietnam; resident to locally migratory with poorly understood movements
🦚 🌳 🥚Description and Ecology:
A typical nightjar in appearance - greyish brown colouration with back and wings richly streaked or speckled with darker tones. Males sport four subterminal white spots on their primaries and broad white tips of outermost tail feathers, which are less conspicuous in females. It inhabits a wide range of wood- and scrubland, ranging from jungles to hedges and gardens, in dryer habitats (Pakistan) occurs in semi-arid conditions. Feeds mainly on insects in flight, does not avoid artificial light sources that attract the prey. Male song is a characteristic “chuk-chuk-chuk-chuk-k-k-k-roo”, which accelerates in the end, much like a ping-pong ball hitting a marble floor. The breeding season spans from February to September, with two eggs incubated mainly by female. May nest twice per season.
💡 Interesting Fact: It may occasionally feed on flowers of Euphorbia caducifolia, possibly even small rodents.
⚠️ Conservation Risks: Common in the core range, may be scarce in the outskirts of the range. Potentially threatened by habitat loss and the use of pesticides in agriculture.
❗ Follow @globalnightjar for a new GOTM each month and other updates from the mysterious world of nightjars!
📷 Photos by iNaturalist user hamsambly, obtained under a Creative Commons (CC) licence.
🗺️ Distribution map: BirdLife International DataZone. Accessed on 29 January 2026.
#gnn #nightjar #goatsucker #bird #science #research #gotm](https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/624527044_17911607802298240_5283697921373793626_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=f7MuJn3NlaUQ7kNvwHWtsi9&_nc_oc=Adq1ttrYUOiBa4A5O2NTUnmlZvaUodtFU1rp2rVatC4IGZc2h9U-R44In3u1kepcj-o&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEPPa68_2yHgyZAJx-uIOItXF7m24RqzGLrPF-325S0BXCV_S7xRTjLib25pnRlZQtneyBaKJtI&oh=00_Af2e3Dgm-xmPWNoeAl7JRzhx1rOFbjnDif0TqQ8DlSAxtA&oe=69EC6484)
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #11 🐐
🐦 Species Name: Band-tailed Nighthawk
🔬 Scientific Name: Nyctiprogne leucopyga
🌍 Status and Distribution: 🟢 Least Concern (LC), 🗺️ Amazonia
🦚 🌳 🥚 Description and Ecology: This petite, non-migratory Caprimulgid is a denizen of moist tropical forests and savannas in northern South America, east of the Andes Mountains. They prefer to occupy areas near open water. True to its name, the Band-tailed Nighthawk does have a pale band that stretches across the middle of its tail, although the band may be difficult to see in low light or while the bird is perched. Otherwise, this species’ plumage is predominantly dark with variable amounts mottling on its wings and back in addition to a dense barring pattern on its underside. Their song consists of short, high-pitched croaks and soft, rattling clicks; the song sounds so frog-like that it is easily overlooked. Band-tailed Nighthawks are true aerial insectivores, catching winged insects in flight using an erratic, bat-like flight pattern. They are largely crepuscular and may congregate to feed in large groups where food and ideal habitat is plentiful. When these groups form, Band-tailed Nighthawks may roost in groups of 2-10 individuals.
💡 Interesting fact: Unlike the majority of Caprimulgids, Band-tailed Nighthawks lack elongated rictal bristles at the corners of their beaks.
⚠️ Conservation Risks: 📉 Habitat loss. This species is poorly studied; a lack of formal research into their population dynamics over time makes it impossible to accurately assess population trends. However, because the species is dependent upon forest habitat, and tree cover has declined throughout its range over the past decade, it is reasonable to infer that Band-tailed Nighthawk populations have also declined over the same time period.
📷 Photos from iNaturalist by 1) Luiz Moschini, 2) Abby Sesselberg, 3) Josh Vandermeulen
All photos obtained under a Creative Commons (CC) license
🗺️ Distribution map: BirdLife International (2025). Species factsheet: Band-tailed Nighthawk. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/band-tailed-nighthawk-nyctiprogne-leucopyga 3 Nov 2025](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/572155740_17901497571298240_2427210487504198138_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=EQle0xgj1lcQ7kNvwHVGn2t&_nc_oc=Ado3Q7e-WEhmWIaOembs48wcPiBaC5_PqbX10NhuGEqfHwhw-3hyf2ocOZO6SUBrido&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEiaLON0gpq9KxkAlsHSokL94zQhgSYmYhYUSxjArhwNas--QjjNU7PjcaFMfSs1PoAOHMjbZCw&oh=00_Af0IJaeXxcK7hK3404xltVrRG9hC8FYAfzUVTX7_-t3cAQ&oe=69EC4ED4)
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #9 🐐
🐦 Species Name: European Nightjar
🔬 Scientific Name: Caprimulgus europaeus
🌍 Status and Distribution: 🟢 Least Concern (LC) | Breeds across Eurasia, from the Atlantic coast to western China; winters in sub-Saharan Africa
🦚 🌳 🥚 Description and Ecology: Like its relatives, it is superbly camouflaged, with dark-streaked greyish-brown upperparts, a pale collar, and a white moustachial line. The underparts are barred and paler. Adult males bear striking white spots on 3 (4) outer primaries and 2 (3) tail feathers, serving as honest quality indicators; in females and juveniles, these are smaller and buff-brown. The European Nightjar breeds in a broad range of habitats, from heathlands and forest clearings to vineyards, orchards, forest-steppe, and even semi-arid landscapes in the south and east of its range. It feeds mainly on moths and other flying insects, caught either in flight (hawking) or snapped up from a perch (flycatching). During summer nights, males deliver their iconic churring song, a rattle that can continue for minutes. This is supplemented by various contact, alarm, and pair calls, as well as mechanical wing-clapping displays used in territorial disputes or courtship. Nests are simple ground scrapes where two freckled whitish eggs are laid and incubated for 2.5–3 weeks; fledglings become independent in about a month.
💡 Interesting Fact: The name Caprimulgus (‘goat-sucker’) comes from a legend dating back to Aristotle. Though entirely false, the myth persists in many European languages, such as Spanish ‘chotacabras’, Italian ‘succiacapre’, German ‘Ziegenmelker’, and Slavic ‘kozodoj’.
⚠️ Conservation Risks: Habitat loss, particularly in western Europe and the UK, caused major population declines. However, targeted heathland restoration projects have already boosted numbers locally. Food availability may be further impacted by pesticides and artificial light at night.
❗ Follow @globalnightjar for a new GOTM each month
📷 Photos Derek Keats (Wiki); macronocturno & chrismoody (iNat)
🗺️ Map: BirdLife International Data Zone
#gnn #nightjar #goatsucker #bird #science #research #gotm](https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/552820277_17896957716298240_7789949130386760133_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=jtkWC75_gmIQ7kNvwF4xRz3&_nc_oc=AdrmJM76haNUCHdWl5SIYRdPcJfHm0D2LEqcCLqrnZmOhHy1RNx-tVNnRLAPXpN067M&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFn7yDjZiQGupE9-c5Br3KggE0xytaLFfIrLX7SpOZ5u9TAWQDFDjESx_cFyMiKFN8fJqp4l0VI&oh=00_Af1SVLkfFB3vEO1C4nL2Y3EfSEuhmqzQS1coFKzD_4FhFQ&oe=69EC5FAE)
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #8 🐐
🐦 Species Name: Great Eared Nightjar
🔬 Scientific Name: Lyncornis macrotis
🌍 Status and Distribution: Least Concern (LC), 🗺️ South and Southeast Asia
🔎Description and Ecology: Among the largest of nightjar species, the Great Eared Nightjar is aptly named given its size and prominent ear tufts. Within their range, they occupy riparian forests, forested grasslands, and opening and margins of wooded areas. Like other nightjars, Great Eared Nightjars “nest” on the ground, typically beneath the cover of dense bamboo or other vegetation. Although not uncommon within their range, much remains to be learned about this distinctive goatsucker.
💡 Interesting fact: The Great Eared Nightjar was long thought to belong to the genus Eurostopodus, a genus of large nightjars with ear-tufts and short rictal bristles. As a result phylogenetic research, this species was moved to the genus Lyncornis.
⚠️ Conservation Risks: None currently known.
📷 Photos by 1) Nigel Voaden 2) Jason Thompson 3) John Gould.
All photos obtained under a Creative Commons (CC) license
🗺️ Distribution map: Avibase (2025).
August’s GOTM was composed by Logan Parker, a GNN communications subcommittee member
#gnn #nightjar #goatsucker #greatearednightjar #birdnerd #bird #science #research #gotm](https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/537399605_17893156191298240_8038162023031641629_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=KfSRAdVDrCoQ7kNvwH0642F&_nc_oc=Adq2QbjSFck6jCK6r8nodxE6G6pvCj4b0Pp29d8U_jiJsksSoe_FfSJuGj0HRRBStVk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEuvCdZvPR1H7VcrYAxUWBnkkGy6ePPz3gFSgIF_dwOsUfvdM3WKvoSHND6oIlGDkVkrxktLskX&oh=00_Af04s3rLOL05wR8CYa4Ni3AdiAruTI6zUsZ0SyhK62ANcQ&oe=69EC5B85)
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #7 🐐
🐦 Species Name: Yucatan Nightjar
🔬 Scientific Name: Antrostomus badius
🌍 Status and Distribution: 🟢 Least Concern (LC) | 🇲🇽 endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula
🦚 🌳 🥚 Description and Ecology: Typical greyish-brown Nightjar with a tawny collar. As in many neotropical caprimulgids, the head seems even larger compared to the rest of the body as in the Old World goatsuckers. No white markings are present in the wings, however, outer rectrices of males show broad white tips, which are narrower and buff-white in females. This species occurs exclusively in the Central America, with breeding habitats located in the scrub and bushy woodlands and forest ecotones of the Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel Island. No details on diet are known apart from that Yucatan Nightjars are insectivorous. The song consists of “puc ree-u-reeeu”, repeated approximately once a second and a clucking “k-lok k-lok” call. Peak of the song activity stretches from February until August from enclosed perches. Nest information is derived from a single nest found in 1955, where the clutch consisted of two eggs.
💡 Interesting Fact: Despite its status, much about this species remains a mystery — from diet to population trends. A perfect research opportunity for local ornithologists and nightjar enthusiasts!
⚠️ Conservation Risks: No threats identified, although the species requires further study.
❗ Follow @globalnightjar for a new GOTM each month and other updates from the mysterious world of nightjars!
📷 Photos by iNaturalist users daniel_garza_tobon, meg_ivette and arturoriquer obtained under a Creative Commons (CC) licence.
🗺️ Distribution map: BirdLife International DataZone. Accessed on 12 July 2025.
#gnn #nightjar #goatsucker #bird #science #research #gotm](https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/519598344_17887976847298240_304359785484571935_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=p2MImhLmMhUQ7kNvwGjpRjT&_nc_oc=AdriLYMwQrO85oDYj-fPEo_hD9gaGHap0zBLdpw-N5W20BW9cS6BmnHZ-uNh1ZSxlEo&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHD3-yHtsahSg5CaC4iK-vw6D9X1VL5dy6vO0ngAU7AvhivArrsE0pFefvg5bOwnlusdmF-YIqN&oh=00_Af2J5wNkMJtffcj-hVjn3dkSZxZoiWDNyO5pKdjnEEnPvw&oe=69EC524A)
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #6 🐐
🐦 Species Name: Savanna Nightjar
🔬 Scientific Name: Caprimulgus affinis
🌍 Status and Distribution: Least Concern (LC), 🗺️ South and Southeast Asia
Description and Ecology: This resident species of the Caprimulgidae family has a large range in South and Southeast Asia. They occupy low-land open grasslands, sugar cane plantations, wheat fields, or rocky soils around rivers and streams. Their cryptically grey-brown plumage, characteristic of all nightjars, makes them difficult to find by predators (and humans, too). The Caprimulgus affinis group may be a complex of three distinct species (Sangster et al. 2021).
💡 Interesting fact: In urbanizing Indonesia and already urbanized Taiwan, the Savanna Nightjar has recently colonized urban areas (Cheng et al. 2019; Widodo & Sulistyadi 2021). The roofs of tall buildings serve as nesting sites. Although the transmission efficacy of territorial calls was negatively affected by urban noise, their individuality information was still transmitted with high accuracy under noisy conditions because of the multiple noise-unrelated acoustic features (e.g., the maximum frequency of the call), possibly leading to preadaptation to thrive in urban areas (Liang et al. 2020). Moreover, Savanna Nightjars adjust their calling heights to reach optimal building wall surroundings to make their calls reverberate (Liang et al. 2024).
⚠️ Conservation Risks: None identified.
📷 Photos by 1) JJ Harrison 2) Ravi naidu wildlife 3) Wibowo Djatmiko 4) Brian Gratwicke, on Wikipedia
All photos obtained under a Creative Commons (CC) license
🗺️ Distribution map: BirdLife International (2024). Species factsheet: Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/savanna-nightjar-caprimulgus-affinis 05/06/2025
June's GOTM was composed by Kazuhiro Kawamura, a GNN communications subcommittee member
#gnn #nightjar #goatsucker #savannanightjar #birdnerd #bird #science #research #gotm](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/504094699_17883787002298240_7956869057199523359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=mCJ4_EC38BAQ7kNvwHoJdso&_nc_oc=AdrgeOPhoVW-FP68vg51pT9vr3_y5vRMYF_o-2G4-6OHc5fQ_s25f8JZ1wFtaipK2gA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQESSboTm0IHPqw1_uSvfV_fCul_4il7c9SZhvtE-waE4duJrkey-qM96gu2kGxpO-MZQUNSPjHS&oh=00_Af1AohnjGkWRFUsoksW810zRzkngLAqzDTcZbAEYsXHAmA&oe=69EC2F61)
![🐐 GOATSUCKER OF THE MONTH [GOTM] #5 🐐
🐦 Species Name: Collared Nightjar
🔬 Scientific Name: Gactornis enarratus
🌍 Status and Distribution: 🟢 Least Concern (LC), 🗺️ Madagascar
🦚 🌳 🥚 Description and Ecology: This non-migratory member of the Caprimulgidae family is endemic to Madagascar, where it prefers moist, lowland forest habitats along the eastern edge of the island. Like all of their fellow Caprimulgids, Collared Nightjars are cryptically colored to blend in with leaf litter and similar natural substrates. True to its name, the Collared Nightjar has a prominent, pale rufous collar around its neck. This collar may assist with camouflage by breaking up the bird’s silhouette, and it is the most distinguishing characteristic to separate this species from the related Madagascar Nightjar. Collared Nightjars hunt flying insects using a behavior called “hawking,” where they perch on a branch and make repeated, short bursts of flight to snatch insects out of the air.
💡 Interesting fact: No recordings exist of this species’ song. However, adult birds disturbed off of their nest may hiss and utter soft “keow” vocalizations. While most Caprimulgids nest on the ground, Collared Nightjars have been observed using epiphytic plants and fern crowns as nest sites. Collared Nightjars also roost in pairs, even outside of the breeding season (notice that many of the photos depict this behavior!)
⚠️ Conservation Risks: 📉 Habitat loss and hunting. This species’ restricted range and secretive behavior makes it difficult to accurately assess population trends.
📷 Photos by 1) Premala Arulampalam on iNaturalist 2) Markus Lilje on iNaturalist 3) Phil Boyle on iNaturalist 4) “entomor” on iNaturalist 5) Pete Woodall on iNaturalist
All photos obtained under a Creative Commons (CC) license
🗺️ Distribution map: BirdLife International (2016). Species factsheet: Collared Nightjar Gactornis enarratus. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/collared-nightjar-gactornis-enarratus 08/05/2025
#gnn #nightjar #goatsucker #collarednightjar #birdnerd #bird #science #research #gotm](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/497319920_17880612648298240_168910928205008246_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=CBeR96j2i5cQ7kNvwGxCzvO&_nc_oc=AdqvuBMWJaZGWipQnzsnkNGTEa0pFrVCqFdQZ0JzairSYPah5MBBajwR58ijsQ2Vzzk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=fZjCjUcyW_eJ0qP8rgsYOA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQF3W-32Q3loNO1LavD8LABiJNQOj8TKBDZjoOUEY1wxNcqEvbilwFW5Dj0-V6FYCIL4BiLCfNs5&oh=00_Af13N9iotJzwgyiObx4PBAi6eW2nCBnJyX7bskQHaEMEBg&oe=69EC6525)
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