Tschudi's nightjar or lesser band-winged nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in Chile and Peru.
Region
Pacific coast of western South America
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly along the arid Pacific slope and coastal deserts of Peru and northern Chile, including the Atacama region. It favors open, sparsely vegetated habitats such as stony flats, desert scrub, dunes, dry riverbeds, and rocky hillsides. The species readily uses semi-urban edges, airfields, and coastal lomas where insect prey concentrates. By day it roosts on the ground or low rocks, relying on camouflage, and becomes active at dusk.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small nightjar of Peru and northern Chile, often split from the widespread Band-winged Nightjar. It uses superbly cryptic plumage to roost motionless on bare ground by day and feeds on flying insects at night, often around streetlights. Males show pale wing and tail flashes in display and may produce audible wing-claps.
Temperament
solitary and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs outside the breeding season. Nests are simple scrapes on bare ground, usually with a single well-camouflaged egg. Adults rely on stillness and distraction displays to deter predators, and males may display with wing-claps and aerial sallies.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, repetitive trill or churring phrase delivered at dusk and night from the ground or low perches. Calls include sharp chips and low whistles; wing-claps may accompany display flights.
