Rufous-cheeked Nightjar

The Rufous-cheeked Nightjar, Caprimulgus rufigena, is a nocturnal bird with a typical nightjar body shape, measuring 23–24 cm in height. Males weigh between 48-65g, while females are slightly lighter or heavier, ranging from 46-66g. Its plumage is a dark brown intermingled with rufous spots and a less distinct rufous collar, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its environment.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing this species from other nightjars can be challenging. The male Rufous-cheeked Nightjar is characterized by white markings on the primaries and tail corners, whereas the female exhibits buff-colored markings. Compared to the Fiery-necked Nightjar, the male Rufous-cheeked Nightjar has more white in the primaries and less in the tail, while the female has less buff coloring. Juveniles have down feathers that provide a disruptive counter-shading pattern, enhancing their camouflage.

Habitat

The Rufous-cheeked Nightjar favors wooded habitats such as miombo woodlands, wooded savannas, and woodland edges. It is also found in semi-arid acacia shrublands and semi-deserts. For breeding, it selects drier locales, avoiding moist areas near rivers, lakes, and valleys.

Distribution

This intra-African migrant breeds in the southern part of its range and spends the non-breeding season across various countries including eastern Nigeria, Cameroon, southern Chad, Sudan, the Republic of the Congo, the D.R.C., and western Central African Republic. It is present throughout the year in Southern Africa.

Behaviour

The Rufous-cheeked Nightjar is monogamous, with both sexes sharing nest-watching duties. It is a skilled hunter, primarily active at dusk and early night, but also during moonlit nights and dawn. It hunts flying insects by perching low and pouncing on prey or by flying and searching.

Song & Calls

The Rufous-cheeked Nightjar emits two main flight calls: an upbeat "Q! Q! Q! Q!" and a harsh "oar! oar! oar!" with slight pauses. Its territorial song begins with preliminary coughs "Q-whoop…Q-whoop…Q-whoop" followed by several minutes of churring. The churring varies when another nightjar enters its territory, changing to an oaring sound for males and a purring sound for females.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from September to November. The male establishes a territory and attracts a female with his churring song. Once paired, the male ceases churring to avoid attracting predators. The species may lay their eggs following a lunar cycle, typically one week after a full moon. They lay two eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of 15–17 days, and do not construct a nest but lay eggs in small ground depressions.

Similar Species

The Rufous-cheeked Nightjar is often confused with other African nightjars due to their similar appearance.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet consists mainly of beetles, moths, grasshoppers, and other flying insects. The nightjar hunts in open woodlands and by waterholes, often leaving its territory to feed.

Conservation status

The Rufous-cheeked Nightjar is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant threats at present.