Large-tailed Nightjar

The Large-tailed Nightjar, Caprimulgus macrurus, is a cryptically colored bird, adept at blending into its surroundings. Its plumage is a mottled pattern of browns and grays, which serves as excellent camouflage against the forest floor.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its large size and the distinctive long tail, which is especially prominent in males. The nightjar's eyes are large and adapted to its nocturnal lifestyle.

Habitat

The Large-tailed Nightjar favors a variety of forested environments, including subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, mangrove forest, and moist montane forest.

Distribution

This bird is widely distributed across the southern Himalayan foothills, eastern South Asia, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. It is a resident species in numerous countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Behaviour

The Large-tailed Nightjar is known for its nocturnal habits. In Malaysia, it has an intriguing association with cemeteries, where it is often seen at night, earning it the local name burung tukang kubur, which translates to "graveyard nightjar."

Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Large-tailed Nightjar is classified as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of decline in the wild.