Brown nightjar

The brown nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is the only species in the genus Veles. It is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Ghana, and Liberia.

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Distribution

Region

West and Central Africa

Typical Environment

Inhabits lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforest, including mature primary forest, secondary growth, and forest edges. It also uses riverine corridors, forest tracks, and natural gaps where flying insects concentrate. During the day it roosts in shaded, densely vegetated spots with leaf litter, relying on cryptic plumage. It generally avoids open savanna and heavily disturbed habitats but may forage along forest margins at night.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size22–25 cm

Wing Span45–55 cm

Male Weight0.06 kg

Female Weight0.06 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The brown nightjar is the sole member of the genus Veles and is a cryptic, forest-dwelling nightjar of West and Central Africa. It relies heavily on camouflage, roosting motionless on leaf litter or low branches during the day. Most detections are by voice at dusk and night rather than by sight. Its wide gape allows it to efficiently snatch flying insects on the wing.

Behaviour

Temperament

nocturnal and secretive

Flight Pattern

buoyant, silent flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, becoming active at dusk. Nests on the ground without a constructed nest, laying eggs directly on leaf litter. Adults rely on stillness and camouflage to avoid detection and will perform distraction displays if threatened near the nest.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, repetitive series of whistles and churring notes delivered at dusk and during the night. Calls often carry through forest corridors and are the primary means of detection. Song pace may quicken during territorial or courtship displays.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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