The collared nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in humid evergreen forests along the eastern escarpment, with populations also in littoral forest remnants. It favors dense understory and areas with deep leaf litter for daytime roosting. Frequently uses forest edges, clearings, and tracks where flying insects are abundant. It may forage along riparian corridors and around small forest gaps at dusk and night.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The collared nightjar is a forest nightjar found only in Madagascar and is the sole member of the genus Gactornis. By day it relies on superb leaf-litter camouflage, roosting motionless on the ground or low branches. It becomes active at dusk, sallying out to catch flying insects along forest edges and tracks.
Temperament
secretive and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with silent, short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs. Nests on the ground without a constructed nest, typically laying one or two eggs directly on leaf litter. Adults rely on camouflage and stillness to avoid predators and will perform distraction displays if threatened.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
At dusk and night it gives soft churring trills and repeated whistled notes, interspersed with quiet clucks. Calls are often delivered from low perches or while foraging along forest edges.
Plumage
Finely mottled and vermiculated brown, rufous, and black with cryptic leaf-litter patterning; contrasting pale buff collar around the nape and sides of the neck; barred tail and subtle wing markings.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nocturnal flying insects such as moths, beetles, and termites. It hawks prey in short sallies from low perches or while coursing along edges. May opportunistically take insects attracted to lights near forest settlements. The wide gape and bristles around the bill help funnel prey into the mouth during flight.
Preferred Environment
Most active along forest edges, tracks, and small clearings where insect activity is concentrated. Also hunts over streams and open glades within humid forest.
