Sykes’s Nightjar Bird Details
Caprimulgus mahrattensis
Sykes’s Nightjar,Mahratta Nightjar;
NA
William Henry Sykes, 1832
Caprimulgiformes (NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES)
Caprimulgidae
Caprimulgus
India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Appearance :
Sykes's Nightjar has cryptic plumage, primarily brown and rufous with white spots and streaks, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. It has a long tail and pointed wings, with a slightly hooked bill, and large eyes adapted for nocturnal vision.
Behaviour :
This species is generally solitary or found in pairs. They are nocturnal and exhibit crepuscular activity, becoming more active at dusk and dawn. They are known for their distinctive calls and display behaviors, especially during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Sykes’s Nightjar prefers open woodlands, grasslands, and scrub areas with some cover for roosting. It can often be found in disturbed habitats such as agricultural fields or plantations.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of insects, which they catch in flight. They are known to feed on moths, beetles, and other flying insects.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Sykes’s Nightjar is primarily found in parts of South Asia, including India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Population Size :
The exact population size is not well documented.
Life Span :
The lifespan of Sykes’s Nightjar is generally estimated to be around 2-5 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium-sized nightjar with a cryptic plumage that helps it blend into its surroundings. The coloration varies from brown to rufous, with intricate patterns of spots and streaks.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 22-25 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Broad and flat, with a slight crest; the feathers on the head can be ruffled to enhance camouflage.
- Eyes: Large, dark, and well-adapted for nocturnal vision, allowing for excellent sight in low light conditions.
- Bill: Short and wide, adapted for catching insects in flight.
- Bill Length: Approximately 11-13 mm.
Length :
Ranges from 26 to 30 cm (10.2 to 11.8 inches).
Neck :
Short and not particularly prominent; feathers often conceal the neck area.
Size :
Medium-sized; body length can vary based on individual birds.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and pointed, aiding in flight maneuverability.
- Tail Length: Approximately 11-13 cm.
- Feathers: Soft and fluffy, providing excellent camouflage and insulation. The feathers are patterned to resemble leaves or tree bark.
Weight :
Typically ranges from 70 to 150 grams.
Wing :
Long and pointed wings that enable agile flight; well-adapted for gliding and short bursts of speed.
Wing Span :
Approximately 55-60 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Sykes’s Nightjar has a distinct facial pattern with a broad, pale stripe running down the center of the face, flanked by darker markings that enhance its cryptic appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Sykes’s Nightjar does not build a traditional nest. Instead, it lays its eggs directly on the ground, often in a shallow scrape.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest site typically has minimal material; the bird may use surrounding leaves, twigs, or grass to provide some camouflage.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season varies geographically but generally occurs between March and August.
Nesting Season :
Nests are typically established during the pre-monsoon period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale brown or buff with darker speckles, aiding in camouflage against the ground.
Egg Length :
Approximately 26-30 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 20-23 mm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 8-10 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically consists of 1-3 eggs, with 2 being the most common.
No. of Broods :
Generally, Sykes’s Nightjar raises one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation lasts about 18-20 days.
Nestling Period :
The young typically fledge around 15-20 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
The male is known for its distinctive, repetitive "churring" calls during the breeding season
Sex Demorphism :
Males may have slightly more vibrant plumage.
Migration Details :
Sykes’s Nightjar is generally considered a resident bird in its range but may exhibit local movements depending on habitat conditions.