The silky-tailed nightjar is a species of nightjar birds in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from lowland Amazonian and adjacent forests of Peru and Bolivia eastward through Brazil and south into Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Prefers subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including edges, clearings, and secondary growth. Frequently uses river margins, wide trails, and small openings for foraging flights. Roosts on the ground or on low horizontal branches, relying on cryptic plumage to avoid detection.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A strictly nocturnal nightjar, it spends daylight hours camouflaged on the forest floor or low branches, relying on mottled plumage to vanish into leaf litter. At dusk it launches to catch flying insects, often along forest edges, tracks, or riverbanks. Males show striking white corners on the long, silky-looking tail during display. Its eyeshine is conspicuous in torchlight, which often reveals birds roosting on roads at night.
Temperament
solitary and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
buoyant with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs. Nests directly on leaf litter without building a structure, usually laying one or two eggs. Both parents share incubation and chick guarding, relying on camouflage and distraction displays to deter predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers soft, mellow whistles and purring trills at dusk and night, often repeated in steady sequences. The song carries through forest edges and clearings and may be preceded by quiet clucking notes.
