The sickle-winged nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and possibly Uruguay.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in northeastern Argentina, southern and eastern Paraguay, southern and southeastern Brazil, and possibly northern Uruguay. Prefers open habitats such as native grasslands (pampas and campos), cerrado edges, savanna-like pastures, and marsh or wetland margins. It often uses lightly grazed fields, airstrips, and road verges for foraging. Local movements follow seasonal conditions, with birds shifting to areas with abundant insect prey.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males have distinctive long, curved outer primaries that create a sickle-like profile in display flight, giving the species its name. Like many nightjars, it nests directly on the ground without building a nest, relying on camouflage. It forages low over open country at dusk and night, catching flying insects, and is vulnerable to habitat conversion and pesticide use.
Temperament
secretive and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with agile twists and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs outside the breeding season. Nests on bare ground or leaf litter without a constructed nest, typically laying one to two eggs. Male performs display flights at dusk, showing the curved wings and flashing white patches to attract females.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Displays soft, repeated whistles and chip notes at dusk, interspersed with gentle trills. Wing noises may accompany display flights, especially when the male banks and glides low over open ground.
Plumage
Cryptic, mottled mix of browns, greys, and buff with fine barring and streaking that blends into grassy ground. Male shows contrasting white patches on wings and tail during flight displays; female is more uniformly mottled and lacks bold white patches.
Diet
Feeds mainly on aerial insects such as moths, beetles, and other flying arthropods. Captures prey on the wing using a wide gape and bristle-fringed mouth adapted for hawking. Also makes short sallies from the ground or low perches to snatch passing insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages over open grasslands, pasture edges, marsh margins, and along quiet roads and airstrips. Often hunts low over vegetation in areas with scattered shrubs or open wetland mosaics.
