The band-winged nightjar or greater band-winged nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is widespread in South America, where it is found in the Andes, Venezuelan Coastal Range, Santa Marta Mountains, Tepuis, most of Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and eastern Brazil. It occurs in a wide range of habitats, from the edge of humid montane forests to shrubby semi-deserts and urban rooftops.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Andes and Venezuelan Coastal Range to the Santa Marta Mountains, Tepuis, and across much of Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and eastern Brazil. It uses habitat edges from humid montane forest to open scrub, puna and steppe, rocky outcrops, and river valleys. Readily occupies human-modified settings including agricultural land, quarries, and city rooftops. Often forages over roads, fields, and near artificial lights where flying insects concentrate.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 4500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the pale band that flashes across its wings in flight, the band-winged nightjar is a highly adaptable nocturnal hunter that often forages around streetlights in towns. It roosts on the ground or flat rooftops by day, relying on superb camouflage. Nesting is minimal—a single egg laid directly on bare ground or gravel—and adults may perform distraction displays to draw predators away. Its wide elevational range and tolerance of open, arid, and urban habitats help keep it common across much of South America.
Temperament
cryptic, nocturnal, and typically solitary
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with short rapid wingbeats and glides, usually low over the ground
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs; loosely tolerant of others where food is abundant. Nests on bare ground with no constructed nest, typically laying a single egg. Males perform display flights with wing-claps and chase calls; both adults rely on camouflage and distraction displays to protect the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, whistled notes and short trills, often repeated from the ground or a low perch at dusk and night. Display flights add audible wing-claps. Calls carry well across open terrain.
