The Palau nightjar is a species of nightjar endemic to Palau. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the grey nightjar.
Region
Micronesia
Typical Environment
Occurs across the larger islands and limestone islets of Palau, using forest edges, secondary woodland, coastal scrub, and open clearings. It roosts on the ground or on low branches in shaded areas where its mottled plumage provides excellent camouflage. Nesting typically occurs on bare ground or leaf litter without a constructed nest. The species often forages along roads, airstrips, and over water where flying insects are concentrated.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 240 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Palau nightjar is a cryptic, nocturnal insect-eater found only in the Republic of Palau. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Grey Nightjar but is now recognized as a distinct species. By day it relies on exquisitely mottled plumage to vanish against leaf litter or limestone ground. At dusk it becomes active, hawking moths and beetles over clearings, roads, and forest edges.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
buoyant, with short rapid wingbeats and glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside of breeding. Nests are simple ground scrapes with a single egg placed among leaf litter. The female primarily incubates while the male performs display flights at dusk and may guard nearby. Adults rely on stillness and camouflage to avoid detection.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rolling, mechanical churr given persistently at dusk and during the night from a perch or open ground. Also utters sharp tik or chuck notes during foraging and display, and males may add audible wing claps in flight.
Plumage
Finely mottled brown, grey, and buff with delicate barring that breaks up the outline against leaf litter or bark.
Diet
Feeds almost entirely on flying insects such as moths, beetles, flying ants, and termites. It captures prey on the wing using a wide gape and forward-facing rictal bristles that help funnel insects into the mouth. Foraging often concentrates where insects swarm, including near lights, over water, or along forest edges. Occasionally it sallies from a low perch or the ground to intercept passing prey.
Preferred Environment
Commonly forages over open areas adjacent to woodland, such as clearings, roads, airstrips, beaches, and the edges of mangroves. Uses low perches, paths, and open glades for launching short aerial sallies.
