Jungle Nightjar Bird Details
Caprimulgus indicus
Jungle Nightjar,Indian Jungle Nightjar;
Raatrani
John Latham, 1790
Caprimulgiformes (NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES)
Caprimulgidae
Caprimulgus
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand and Malaysia.
Appearance :
The Jungle Nightjar has a mottled brown and grey plumage that provides excellent camouflage in its forest habitat. Its wings are long and pointed, and it has a small, short bill. The eyes are large and well-adapted for nocturnal activity.
Behaviour :
These birds are mostly solitary or found in pairs. They are known for their cryptic behavior, resting on the ground during the day. Their calls are characteristic, especially during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Jungle Nightjars prefer dense forests, woodlands, and shrubby areas. They are often found in moist deciduous forests and can also inhabit secondary growth.
Diet :
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on moths, beetles, and other flying insects. They catch their prey in flight using their wide mouths.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and parts of Thailand.
Population Size :
Specific population estimates can be difficult to determine due to their secretive nature;
Life Span :
Typically, nightjars can live around 3-5 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Jungle Nightjar has a robust body with a length of around 24–29 cm. It is built for camouflage, featuring a mix of browns, blacks, and grays.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 20–22 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and broad, with a flat appearance. It has a slight crest that can be raised.
- Eyes: Large and round, adapted for low-light conditions, providing excellent night vision. The iris is typically yellow or golden.
- Bill: Short and broad, well-suited for catching insects. It is slightly curved and has a soft structure.
- Bill Length: About 12–15 mm.
Length :
Ranges from 24 to 29 cm.
Neck :
Short and somewhat stout, blending into the body shape.
Size :
Medium-sized bird, about the size of a small dove.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and square-ended, with pointed tips. It is also used for camouflage while resting.
- Tail Length: Approximately 10–12 cm.
- Feathers: Mottled feathers provide excellent camouflage in their forest habitat. The plumage is soft and fluffy, aiding in insulation.
Weight :
Weighs around 70–120 grams.
Wing :
Long and pointed wings that allow for agile flight. The wing shape is adapted for gliding and short bursts of speed when hunting.
Wing Span :
Approximately 60–70 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Jungle Nightjar has a distinctive facial pattern with a dark, broad band across the eyes, which enhances its camouflage. The feathers around the face are also soft and help in the bird's overall concealment.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Jungle Nightjar does not build a traditional nest. Instead, it lays its eggs directly on the ground or in a small depression, often well-camouflaged by leaf litter and vegetation.
- Nest Made Up Of: Typically just a bare scrape in the ground with no additional materials. The surrounding foliage aids in concealment.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs from March to August.
Nesting Season :
Nests are usually built during the breeding period.
Egg Color :
Eggs are usually pale or buff-colored, often with speckling or mottling in shades of brown and gray, helping them blend in with the surroundings.
Egg Length :
Approximately 24–27 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 18–20 mm.
- Egg Weight: Around 8–10 grams.
Clutch Size :
Generally 1 to 2 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Usually one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation lasts approximately 18–20 days.
Nestling Period :
The young fledge around 15–18 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Known for its characteristic calls, which include a series of repetitive "churring" sounds.
Sex Demorphism :
There is little to no sexual dimorphism in this species.
Migration Details :
The Jungle Nightjar is generally a resident bird but may exhibit local movements based on food availability and habitat conditions.