The Swallow-tailed Nightjar is a spectacular and distinctive species, named for its incredibly long, deeply forked tail, which is particularly prominent in males. It is a graceful nocturnal hunter of the Andean cloud forests.
Where to spot
Found in the Andes Mountains of South America, inhabiting humid montane forests and cloud forests, typically at high elevations.
How to spot
Listen for its calls at night, which can reveal its presence. Spotting it requires patience and a good spotlight to catch its eye-shine or to observe its incredible tail in flight against the night sky. Scan canopy edges at dusk.
When to spot
Active during twilight and throughout the night, when it performs its aerial foraging. It is extremely difficult to spot during the day, blending perfectly with its surroundings.
Where to spot
Found in the Andes Mountains of South America, inhabiting humid montane forests and cloud forests, typically at high elevations.
How to spot
Listen for its calls at night, which can reveal its presence. Spotting it requires patience and a good spotlight to catch its eye-shine or to observe its incredible tail in flight against the night sky. Scan canopy edges at dusk.
When to spot
Active during twilight and throughout the night, when it performs its aerial foraging. It is extremely difficult to spot during the day, blending perfectly with its surroundings.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The male's extremely elongated outer tail feathers can be up to three times the length of its body, making it one of the most uniquely tailed birds in the world.
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