Andaman Nightjar Bird Details
Caprimulgus andamanicus
Andaman Nightjar,Andamanese Nightjar;
Andaman Raatrichar
Hume, 1873
Caprimulgiformes (NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES)
Caprimulgidae
Caprimulgus
India (Andaman Islands)
Appearance :
Medium-sized nightjar with a cryptic plumage of brown, gray, and buff patterns, making it blend well with its environment. Long wings and tail, with white patches visible in flight.
Behaviour :
Solitary or found in pairs. Nocturnal, resting during the day and active at night. Known for its aerial feeding, catching insects on the wing.
Habitat :
Forested areas, especially near clearings and edges. Prefers tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests and mangrove habitats.
Diet :
Insectivorous, feeding primarily on moths, beetles, and other nocturnal flying insects.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Endemic to the Andaman Islands of India.
Population Size :
Exact numbers are not well documented, but the population is believed to be stable.
Life Span :
Nightjars typically live between 4-6 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Compact and streamlined, adapted for nocturnal hunting. The cryptic plumage helps it remain camouflaged in its habitat.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 12-14 mm, relatively short compared to its body size, aiding in perching on the ground or low branches.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Broad and flat, with a wide gape, allowing it to catch flying insects with ease.
- Eyes: Large and adapted for night vision, allowing the bird to see well in low light conditions.
- Bill: Small but wide at the base, with a hooked tip for catching and swallowing insects.
- Bill Length: Typically around 9-12 mm.
Length :
Around 23-25 cm from the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail.
Neck :
Short, giving it a compact and stocky appearance.
Size :
Medium-sized for a nightjar
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is moderately long and rounded, with some species showing white patches on the outer feathers that are visible in flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 10-12 cm.
- Feathers: Soft, cryptic brown, gray, and buff feathers that blend into the environment. The feathering is designed for silent flight.
Weight :
Typically between 40-60 grams.
Wing :
Long, pointed wings, which provide excellent maneuverability in flight.
Wing Span :
Roughly 50-55 cm.
Facial Feature :
The face has soft feathering, a broad gape, and a somewhat flat head, with large eyes for enhanced nocturnal vision.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Andaman Nightjar does not build a traditional nest. It lays its eggs directly on bare ground, often in a clearing or on leaf litter, relying on camouflage for protection.
- Nest Made Up Of: No real nest construction; eggs are laid on natural ground surfaces like sandy soil, leaf litter, or forest floors.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period for the Andaman Nightjar is not well-documented, but for most nightjars, it typically occurs during the warm months when food is plentiful.
Nesting Season :
Likely between March and June, coinciding with the dry season, when conditions are favorable for ground-nesting.
Egg Color :
The eggs are pale white or cream, often with speckled brown or gray markings.
Egg Length :
Approximately 28-31 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 19-21 mm.
- Egg Weight: Roughly 4-5 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically 1-2 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Generally, one brood per year, though in favorable conditions, there may occasionally be two.
Incubation Period :
About 17-20 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the young remain on the ground, well-camouflaged, for around 18-20 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
The Andaman Nightjar produces repetitive, low-pitched calls, often described as a series of “chuck-chuck-chuck” notes or a soft "whirr."
Sex Demorphism :
There is little to no visible sexual dimorphism.
Migration Details :
The Andaman Nightjar is a resident species and does not exhibit migratory behavior.