The Nechisar nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is now thought to be a hybrid. It is endemic to Ethiopia.
Region
Ethiopian Rift Valley
Typical Environment
Confirmed only from the Nechisar Plains of southern Ethiopia, an open grassland–savanna mosaic with scattered acacias. It likely uses open ground and lightly wooded edges for foraging flights at dusk and night. Records are exceedingly sparse, and the precise range remains unknown. If it represents a hybrid, occurrences would mirror areas where the parental taxa overlap.
Altitude Range
1000–1700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known from a single wing found in Ethiopia’s Nechisar National Park, the Nechisar nightjar was formally described on that basis alone; its name ‘solala’ refers to ‘only wing’. Later photographs suggested a matching bird in the wild, but current expert opinion leans toward it being a hybrid rather than a valid species. Its habits are inferred from related nightjars and remain poorly documented. If hybrid, its taxonomic status is likely invalid at the species level.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
buoyant, silent flight with short rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Likely crepuscular and nocturnal, roosting on the ground by day where it relies on camouflage. Nesting, if applicable, would mirror other nightjars: two eggs placed directly on bare ground. Courtship and breeding behavior are unknown and largely inferred from congeners.
Migratory Pattern
Unknown
Song Description
No definitive vocalization has been documented. If consistent with Caprimulgus nightjars, it would give repetitive churring trills and soft contact notes at night. Specific phrasing and cadence remain unconfirmed.
