The golden nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in Sahel region in northern Sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
Sahel and southern fringes of the Sahara in West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mauritania and Senegal east through Mali, Niger and northern Nigeria to Chad and Sudan, with records on the Saharan fringe. Prefers semi-arid savanna, Sahelian thorn scrub, sandy plains with sparse grasses, and dry wadis. It often uses open, sparsely vegetated ground with scattered acacias or thornbush. Avoids dense woodland and closed grassland. Roosts and nests directly on bare or lightly vegetated ground where its plumage provides excellent camouflage.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The golden nightjar is a cryptic, sand-colored nightjar adapted to the Sahel’s semi-arid scrub and semi-desert. It is mostly detected by its soft, repetitive calls at dusk rather than by sight. Like other nightjars, it has a wide gape bordered by sensory bristles to catch flying insects in low light. Recent records have extended its known range along the western Sahel and into the Sahara’s fringe.
Golden nightjar in Western Sahara at Oued Jenna in April, 2018
Temperament
cryptic and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs, roosting on the ground by day. Nests are simple scrapes on bare ground with typically one or two eggs. Both adults participate in incubation and chick care, relying on camouflage to avoid detection. Breeding aligns with seasonal rains when insects are most abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A soft, repetitive series of mellow whistles and subdued churrs, delivered at dusk and during the night. Males often sing from the ground or low perches, with calls carrying best in calm, open habitats.
