The tawny-collared nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Northeastern Mexico (Gulf Coastal Plain)
Typical Environment
Found from northeastern Tamaulipas south through the Gulf slope into northern and central Veracruz, with occurrences in adjacent lowlands and foothills. It favors tropical deciduous forest, thorn scrub, second growth, and semi-open edges with scattered trees. The species commonly uses trails, clearings, and lightly trafficked roads as foraging flyways. By day it roosts on the ground or low horizontal branches, relying on cryptic plumage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This nocturnal nightjar relies heavily on camouflage, roosting by day on leaf litter where its mottled plumage makes it nearly invisible. It often hunts along paths and quiet roads at dusk, sometimes taking advantage of insects drawn to lights. Like other nightjars, it lays eggs directly on the ground without building a nest. Males may show white tail patches in display and give persistent songs from low perches at night.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside the breeding pair. Nests are simple scrapes on the ground where 1–2 eggs are laid; both parents rely on camouflage and distraction displays to deter predators. Males sing persistently from low perches at dusk and night, and birds roost quietly by day on the ground or low limbs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, repetitive whistled phrase delivered at dusk and throughout the night, often in steady series with brief pauses. Calls can include soft chucks and trills given during territorial displays.
Plumage
Mottled and barred brown, rufous, and gray with a distinct tawny collar across the nape; overall highly cryptic with intricate patterning.
Diet
Primarily flying insects such as moths, beetles, and flying ants and termites. It hawks prey on the wing, using a wide gape and bristle-fringed bill to capture insects. Foraging often occurs along edges, over tracks, and across open patches where insects concentrate.
Preferred Environment
Edge habitats, clearings, and lightly wooded scrub near forest margins. Also hunts along rural roads and trails where aerial insects are abundant.
