The montane nightjar, mountain nightjar or Abyssinian nightjar, is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is native to upland regions of Central and Eastern Africa where it is a locally common species.
Region
Central and Eastern African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in upland regions from Ethiopia south through the highlands of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and into Malawi. Prefers open montane grasslands, heaths, moorlands, and forest edges, including clearings and burned areas. Often uses paths, rocks, or bare ground for roosting and nesting, relying on cryptic plumage for concealment. It may make short altitudinal movements following weather and prey availability but is largely resident.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This nocturnal nightjar is well camouflaged, often looking like a fallen leaf or patch of bark when roosting on the ground. Males show small white patches in the wings and tail that flash during display flights at dusk. It frequents open montane habitats and forest edges, where it sallies out to catch moths and beetles on the wing. Its soft, insect-like trills can carry surprisingly far on calm nights.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
buoyant, silent flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside the breeding pair. Nests directly on the ground without a constructed nest, typically laying one to two eggs camouflaged among debris. Adults rely on stillness and cryptic plumage to avoid detection and may perform distraction displays near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Produces a soft, insect-like trill or churring series delivered from the ground or low perches at dusk and night. Also gives sharp chips and squeaks during aerial displays. The song is repetitive and can continue for long periods in calm conditions.
Plumage
Mottled and vermiculated brown, grey, and rufous with fine streaking that blends into leaf litter and rocky ground. Crown and nape appear greyish, with subtle barring across the back and wings. Males have small white patches in the wings and outer tail; females show buffy rather than white markings.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nocturnal flying insects such as moths, beetles, and flying termites. It hunts by aerial hawking, using its wide gape to scoop prey during short sallies from the ground or low perches. Foraging intensity often increases following termite emergences and after rains.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, open montane grassland, tracks, and clearings where insects concentrate. Often hunts over ridgelines and above vegetation at dusk and dawn.
