Birds
File:Caprimulgus rufigena 1838.jpg

Rufous-cheeked Nightjar

Rufous-cheeked Nightjar

100
-
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
This medium-sized nightjar is known for its distinctive rufous (reddish-brown) facial markings, from which it derives its common name. It is a migratory species within Africa, following seasonal insect availability.
Where to spot
Found in Southern and Eastern Africa, preferring open woodlands, savannas, and bushy areas. It is an intra-African migrant, moving between breeding and non-breeding grounds.
How to spot
Listen for its characteristic 'churr' or 'chip-chip' call at night. Look for them hawking insects or resting on roads and tracks with a spotlight. During the day, they are well-camouflaged on the ground or low branches.
When to spot
Nocturnal, active from dusk to dawn. Best observed during its non-breeding season in southern Africa (typically September to April) or along its migration routes.
File:Caprimulgus rufigena 1838.jpg
File:Caprimulgus rufigena damarensis 53179496.jpg
File:Caprimulgus rufigena rufigena 29305532.jpg
File:Caprimulgus rufigena rufigena 31726969.jpg
File:Caprimulgus rufigena 1838.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Caprimulgus rufigena damarensis 53179496.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Caprimulgus rufigena rufigena 29305532.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Caprimulgus rufigena rufigena 31726969.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Rufous-cheeked Nightjar's unique facial pattern, particularly the rufous cheeks and white throat patch, helps distinguish it from other nightjar species encountered in its African range.
Loading...

Spotted

No recently spotted birds

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

File:Caprimulgus tristigma lentiginosus 1838.jpg
100

Freckled Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
File:Caprimulgus nubicus 177677681.jpg
100

Nubian Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
File:Caprimulgus atripennis.jpg
100

Jerdon's Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
100

White-throated Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
File:Yucatan poorwill (Nyctiphrynus yucatanicus).jpg
100

Yucatan Poorwill

Nightjars and Allies
File:Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) (5571909055).jpg
100

Common Poorwill

Nightjars and Allies
File:Antrostomus arizonae, Mt. Lemmon, Arizona 1.jpg
100

Mexican Whip-poor-will

Nightjars and Allies
100

Solomons Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
File:Chordeiles minor -British Columbia -Canada-8c.jpg
100

Common Nighthawk

Nightjars and Allies
File:Antrostomus carolinensis, Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta 1.jpg
100

Chuck-will's-widow

Nightjars and Allies