The band-tailed nighthawk is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is widely spread throughout northern and central South America. Five subspecies are recognised. They are nocturnal birds that feed on flying insects. As with almost all nightjars, they lay their eggs directly on the ground and rely their camouflaged plumage to avoid predation.
Region
Amazon and Orinoco river systems
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across northern and central South America, especially along major lowland rivers, floodplains, and oxbow lakes. Prefers open water edges, river islands, and sandy or gravelly bars for roosting and nesting. It also uses secondary growth, gallery forests, and mangroves near waterways. Most activity is concentrated over open channels where flying insects are abundant.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A nocturnal member of the nightjar family, the band-tailed nighthawk is easily recognized in flight by its bold pale band near the tail tip. It commonly hunts low over large South American rivers at dusk and night, taking advantage of insect swarms. Five subspecies are recognized across its broad range. Like most nightjars, it lays its eggs directly on bare ground or sandbars, relying on camouflage for protection.
Temperament
crepuscular and nocturnal, wary
Flight Pattern
buoyant, with quick flicks and long glides low over water
Social Behavior
Often forages in loose groups over rivers at dusk, sometimes following insect hatches. Nests on bare ground or sandbars with minimal or no nest structure. Pairs rely on camouflage and remaining motionless to avoid predators and will perform distraction displays if threatened.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, repetitive chips and trills, with a low churring quality typical of nightjars. Also emits short nasal notes during foraging flights, especially at dusk.
