The plain-tailed nighthawk is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitat is dry savanna. It is threatened by habitat loss. The Plain-tailed was given its name due to the lack of bands on its tail. Other names it was given include "Bahia Nighthawk" and "Caatinga Nighthawk" although not completely inappropriate due to the fact that they are not only found specifically in those areas.
Region
Eastern and northeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry savanna, Caatinga scrub, and open woodland mosaics, often near watercourses where insects concentrate at dusk. It uses sparsely vegetated ground and low branches for day roosting, relying on cryptic plumage for concealment. Foraging typically takes place over rivers, lagoons, and open clearings. It tolerates semi-arid conditions but depends on intact patches of natural habitat within these landscapes.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Bahia Nighthawk or Caatinga Nighthawk, this species is named for its unbanded tail, which helps distinguish it from the similar Band-tailed Nighthawk. It is a crepuscular aerial insectivore that often forages over rivers and open savanna at dusk. Habitat conversion in Brazil’s Caatinga and adjacent dry savannas is the primary threat to its persistence.
Temperament
solitary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
buoyant with short rapid wingbeats and gliding sweeps
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in loose, scattered individuals along waterways at dusk. Nests on the ground in a simple scrape without added materials, relying on camouflage. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, and the adult often performs distraction displays when approached.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, repetitive churring trills interspersed with sharp peent-like calls. Vocal activity increases around dusk and dawn when foraging peaks.
