The rufous-cheeked nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is an intra-African migrant that breeds in the south of its range. It spends the non-breeding season in eastern Nigeria, Cameroon, southern Chad and Sudan, the Republic of the Congo, the D.R.C. and western Central African Republic. Throughout the year it can be found in Southern Africa. It is a nocturnal species that feeds on flying insects, mainly hunting at dusk and the early night. They can hunt at night thanks to their large eyes that are adept at seeing in the dark. They cannot see in complete darkness and most likely cannot see colours either. The rufous-cheeked nightjar forms monogamous pairs and the egg laying period is from September to November. It looks very similar to other African nightjars and they are frequently misidentified during research and studies.
Region
Southern and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry savannas, open woodland, thornveld and scrubby semi-arid regions with scattered bushes and bare ground for roosting. Breeds mainly in southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe) and spends the non-breeding season farther north into Angola, Zambia, D.R. Congo, Republic of the Congo, eastern Nigeria, Cameroon, southern Chad, South Sudan and CAR. Often uses roads, riverbeds and open tracks as foraging corridors. Avoids dense forests and very wet habitats, favoring mosaic landscapes with open spaces.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This nocturnal nightjar hunts flying insects on the wing, using a wide gape and large, light-sensitive eyes to find prey in low light. Males show conspicuous white flashes on the wings and tail in display, while females have buffy patches. It nests directly on the ground without building a nest, relying on camouflage. Breeding in the south of its range, it moves northward within Africa outside the breeding season.
Temperament
solitary and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with short rapid wingbeats and agile swoops
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs; forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Nests on bare ground without constructing a nest, laying 1–2 eggs that rely on camouflage. Adults may perform distraction displays to lead intruders away from the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A repetitive churring or rolling trill, interspersed with sharp tchik or chuck notes. Males also produce wing-clapping sounds during display flights at dusk.
