Anthony's nightjar, also known as the scrub nightjar, is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Tumbesian dry forests
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid and semi-arid scrub, deciduous dry forest edges, thorny thickets, and open woodland mosaics of western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It frequents sparsely vegetated ground, dry washes, and clearings near low, scattered trees and cacti. It is often encountered along quiet tracks and pasture edges where open airspace facilitates aerial foraging. Daytime roosts are on the ground or low, horizontal branches where its cryptic plumage blends with leaf litter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Anthony's nightjar, also called the Scrub Nightjar, is a cryptic, ground-roosting nightjar of the Tumbesian dry forests of western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It becomes active at dusk, sallying low over scrub and along roads to hawk insects. Males show discrete white patches in the wings and outer tail that flash in display and in flight. Its mottled plumage provides superb camouflage against leaf litter and dry soil.
Temperament
secretive and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
buoyant low flight with short, silent wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, roosting on the ground by day. Nests are simple scrapes on bare soil or leaf litter with 1–2 eggs, relying on camouflage for protection. Likely monogamous during the breeding season, with both adults tending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
At dusk and night it gives a repetitive, soft churring trill interspersed with short pauses. Males may add soft clucks and wing-clap displays during courtship and territorial interactions.
