Birds
File:Caprimulgus fossii subsp mossambicus, Pretoriuskop, Birding Weto, a.jpg

Square-tailed Nightjar

Square-tailed Nightjar

100
-
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Square-tailed Nightjar is a common and widespread African species, named for its relatively short, square-tipped tail. Its plumage is cryptically patterned to blend perfectly with the ground, providing excellent camouflage.
Where to spot
Found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, favoring open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and agricultural areas, often near human habitation.
How to spot
Listen for its unmistakable vocalization, which gives away its presence. Look for it resting on roads or paths at night using a spotlight, or perched on low branches. It often flies up quickly when disturbed.
When to spot
Highly active at dusk and dawn, and frequently seen throughout moonlit nights when foraging for insects.
File:Caprimulgus fossii subsp mossambicus, Pretoriuskop, Birding Weto, a.jpg
File:Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii) (6045385993).jpg
File:Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii) (6045934838).jpg
File:Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii) (6045935974).jpg
File:Caprimulgus fossii subsp mossambicus, Pretoriuskop, Birding Weto, a.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii) (6045385993).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii) (6045934838).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii) (6045935974).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Square-tailed Nightjar is well-known for its distinctive and far-carrying 'chip-chip-chip-trrrrrrr' call, a familiar and often iconic sound in many African landscapes at night.
Loading...

Spotted

No recently spotted birds

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

uilnachtzwaluw
60

Eurasian Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
File:Caprimulgus macrurus.jpg
100

Large-tailed Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
File:Hydropsalis climacocerca - Ladder-tailed Nightjar.JPG
100

Ladder-tailed Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
File:CaprimulgusGriseatusKeulemans.jpg
100

Chirruping Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
File:Uropsalis Lyra (Lyre-tailed Nightjar).jpg
100

Lyre-tailed Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
100

Least Pauraque

Nightjars and Allies
File:Chordeiles rupestris -Ucayali Region, Peru-8.jpg
100

Sand-colored Nighthawk

Nightjars and Allies
File:Caprimulgus jotaka.jpg
100

Gray Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
100

New Caledonian Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies
File:Antrostomus noctitherus -Puerto Rico-8.jpg
100

Puerto Rican Nightjar

Nightjars and Allies