The nacunda nighthawk is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
South America and Trinidad
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern South America through the Guianas and Amazonian margins south to the Pampas, with an outlying population in Trinidad and Tobago. Favors open habitats including dry savanna, seasonally flooded grasslands, riverbanks, pastures, and degraded open woodlands. Common around wetlands and along large rivers where insect swarms are frequent. Often uses bare ground for roosting and nesting and readily exploits human-altered open areas.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Among the largest nighthawks, it shows striking white patches in the wings and tail that flash in flight. Unlike many nightjars, it often roosts on open ground such as river sandbars, pastures, and even airfields. It is mostly crepuscular and nocturnal but may forage in daylight, especially over flooded grasslands or near fires where insects rise.
Nacunda nighthawk in flight
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
buoyant low coursing with quick flaps and glides
Social Behavior
Often roosts singly or in loose groups on bare ground. Nests on the ground without a built structure, typically laying two mottled eggs. Forms feeding aggregations where insects are abundant and performs aerial displays during courtship.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives low churring trills and soft purring notes at dusk. Also produces sharp, clipped calls during flight, especially over feeding areas or when flushed from roosts.
