The plain nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It breeds in the southern Sahel, Southern Sudan, the Horn of Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. It migrates to lower latitudes - including central Congo and northern Tanzania. A rather plain looking nightjar with grey-brown, brown, and rufous morphs. Males have white spots on primaries, large white corners to tail, and no white on the throat. Females have buffy-brown wing spots, and no white on the tail.
Region
Sahel, Horn of Africa, and southwestern Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Breeds across the southern Sahel and arid zones of South Sudan and the Horn of Africa, extending into southwestern Arabia (Yemen and southwest Saudi Arabia). In the nonbreeding season it moves to lower latitudes in central Africa, including parts of the Congo Basin and northern Tanzania. It favors open, semi-arid habitats such as dry savanna, acacia scrub, sandy plains, and wadis, often near sparse bush cover. It roosts and nests on bare ground with scattered vegetation and uses its cryptic plumage to avoid detection. It may occur near roads and tracks where insects concentrate at night.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This unobtrusive nightjar relies on superb camouflage, roosting motionless on bare ground or leaf litter during the day. Males show bright white primary spots and large white tail corners in flight, key features that separate them from similar species; both sexes lack a white throat patch. It nests on the ground without a built nest, typically laying two eggs. Like many nightjars, it is most active at dusk and dawn, often hunting over open scrub and along tracks.
Temperament
solitary and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
buoyant with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in loose pairs; roosts on the ground by day, relying on camouflage. Nests are simple ground scrapes where 1–2 eggs are laid, with both parents involved in incubation and chick care. Displays and territorial calling occur mainly at dusk and during calm nights.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include a soft, repetitive churring or trilling phrase delivered at dusk and night. Also gives sharp tick or tchek contact notes during foraging flights.
