The savanna nightjar, also known as allied nightjar or Franklin's nightjar, is a species of nightjar found in South and Southeast Asia. The IUCN Red List has assessed the species to be of least concern because it has a large range and its population trend is stable. As other nightjars, this nocturnal bird is characterised by its large eyes, gaping mouth and excellent camouflage. It can be distinguished from similar south Asian nightjar species, like the chirruping nightjar, by its unique vocalisations.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the Indian subcontinent east through Myanmar, southern China and Taiwan, and south through Thailand, Indochina, the Philippines, and much of Sundaland. Occupies open habitats including grasslands, scrub, agricultural fields, riverbanks, forest edges, and clearings. It adapts readily to human-modified environments, frequenting parks, airfields, and rooftops where insects congregate at night. By day it roosts on the ground or low branches, relying on cryptic plumage to remain unseen.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This nocturnal nightjar is famed for its repetitive, mechanical trills that carry far across open country and cityscapes alike. It often hunts around street lights, taking advantage of insect swarms, and has expanded into some urban areas such as parts of Taiwan. Like many nightjars, it nests directly on the ground with excellent camouflage and relies on stillness to avoid detection.
Female adult savanna nightjar, note the lack of white throat patch.
Savanna nightjar eggs
Brooding female savanna nightjar and chicks
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside the breeding season, though loose aggregations may form at rich feeding sites. Nests are a simple ground scrape with typically two eggs; both parents participate in incubation and chick care. Roosts during the day motionless on bare ground or low perches, relying on camouflage rather than fleeing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A loud, repetitive mechanical trill or churring series that may accelerate or pulse, delivered persistently at dusk and night. Also gives sharp tik or chik notes and soft clucks in close interactions.
