The chirruping nightjar or kayumanggi nightjar is a species of nightjar found in the Philippines. This species was formerly conspecific with the Savanna nightjar but was designated as its own distinct species due to its difference in calls.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs across multiple Philippine islands in open and semi-open habitats including grasslands, scrub, agricultural fields, forest edges, and urban green spaces. It adapts well to disturbed areas and is often detected around airstrips, roads, and vacant lots where flying insects concentrate. Daytime roosts are typically on bare ground, leaf litter, or low, open branches where its mottled plumage blends with the substrate. It avoids dense interior forest but uses clearings and edges extensively.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the kayumanggi nightjar, this species is endemic to the Philippines and was recently split from the Savanna Nightjar based mainly on its distinctive, rapid chirruping call. It often frequents open areas and even urban settings like airfields and roads at night. By day it relies on superb camouflage, roosting motionless on the ground or low perches. Its wide gape helps it scoop flying insects in low, agile flights.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
low, buoyant flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding pair. Nests are simple ground scrapes where 1–2 eggs are laid directly on the substrate. Both adults rely on camouflage and distraction displays to deter predators. Displays and calling intensify at dusk during the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, continuous insect-like chirruping or trilling series delivered persistently at dusk and night. Calls are higher-pitched and more evenly trilled than those of Savanna Nightjar. Soft clucks and wing sounds may accompany close-range interactions.
Plumage
Mottled brown, grey, and buff with intricate barring and vermiculations that provide excellent ground camouflage.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nocturnal flying insects such as moths, beetles, termites, and flying ants. It hawks prey on the wing, taking advantage of its wide gape and sensitive vision. Around artificial lights it exploits insect swarms, making short sallies from perches or patrolling low over open ground.
Preferred Environment
Most active over open habitats, airstrips, roads, and field margins where insects are abundant. Also forages along forest edges and in semi-urban areas with streetlights. Often uses low perches or the ground to launch short feeding flights.
