The New Caledonian nightjar is a poorly known species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is endemic to New Caledonia.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Endemic to New Caledonia, it is believed to inhabit dry sclerophyll forests, maquis shrublands, and edges of humid forest. The species likely favors areas with open understory, leaf-littered ground, and scattered clearings for foraging. It probably uses forest tracks, coastal woodland, and ecotones between dense forest and open areas at night. Daytime roosts are on the ground or low horizontal branches where its mottled plumage provides excellent concealment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The New Caledonian nightjar is one of the least-known nightjars, with only a handful of historical records and no confirmed recent photographs. Its superb camouflage and strictly nocturnal habits make it exceptionally difficult to detect. It is thought to be extremely rare and possibly persists at low density in undisturbed habitats.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
buoyant, silent flight with short rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs during the breeding season. Like other nightjars, it likely nests on the ground, laying a single egg directly on leaf litter. Adults rely on stillness and camouflage to avoid detection, flushing only at very close range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Presumed to give repetitive churring or whistled phrases at night, similar to related eared nightjars. Calls are likely soft but carry in still air, with territorial songs delivered from the ground or low perches.
