The Chuck-chucking Indian Nightjar

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp - Wilpattu National Park

Fun facts

Like other Nightjars, the indian Nightjar too has a wide gape, long wings, soft downy plumage and nocturnal habits. Its call is a loud, repetitive chuk-chuck-chuk-chuck noise, and feeds on nocturnal insects such as moths for food. This image of the Indian Nightjar was taken by our photographer Mindaka Mahela at our Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Wilpattu.

Lesser known facts

Unlike other Nightjars, the Indian Nightjar rarely rests on roads during the night, and prefers resting on bushes. This makes them harder to spot, since it is not so readily seen when travelling in vehicles with headlights. The Jerdon’s Nightjar has a variated buff and plumage.

Whereabouts

The Indian Nightjar, scientifically known as the Caprimulgus asiaticus, is a small nightjar which is a resident breeder in India, Sri Lankan and South-East Asia, and can be found in woodlands, scrubs and cultivation land - which is the natural habitat for a nocturnal bird. The Indian Nightjar flies after sundown with an easy, moth-like flight at night, and is very silent and lies close to the ground, concealed by its plumage during the day, making them difficult to detect as they blend in very well with the soil.