Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Freckled Nightjar

Caprimulgus tristigma

The Freckled Nightjar, known scientifically as Caprimulgus tristigma, is a robust nightjar species with a commanding presence. Its plumage is a masterful blend of dark gray or near-black tones, which from afar may seem unremarkable. However, upon closer inspection, one can discern a delightful speckling of white, cinnamon, and pale buff across the upperparts, a testament to its name. The underparts are adorned with a dark brown hue, elegantly barred with white and cinnamon, providing the bird with exceptional camouflage against the rocky landscapes it frequents.

Identification Tips

Sexual dimorphism is present in this species, with males sporting small white spots on the four outer primaries and white tips on their two outer tail feathers. Females, on the other hand, have 3 to 4 smaller white spots on their outer primaries and lack the white tail feather tips. When perched with wings folded, these white markings are typically concealed from view.

Habitat

The Freckled Nightjar is a denizen of rocky outcrops and surfaces, often found roosting on bare or lichen-covered rocks. It is equally at home in open or vegetated areas and can withstand surface temperatures reaching a scorching 60°C.

Distribution

This species boasts a wide, albeit patchy, distribution across the Afrotropics. It is a year-round resident in the colder, drier regions of southern Africa, with notable populations in Zimbabwe, northern and eastern Botswana, western Mozambique, and eastern South Africa.

Behaviour

Crepuscular and nocturnal by nature, the Freckled Nightjar spends its days in repose on rocks, emerging at dusk to forage. It is not uncommon to find these birds occupying roadways at night. Remarkably, they have the ability to enter a state of torpor to conserve energy during the harshest parts of the year.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Freckled Nightjar is quite varied. Its song, often heard in the early morning, evening, or under the glow of a moonlit sky, is a series of two or three "whow" notes, reminiscent of a distant dog's bark. The flight or threat call is a low-frequency "wock" sound, while the alarm call is a yelping "gobble." For distraction displays, they emit soft "grok-grok" grumbles.

Feeding and Diet

The Freckled Nightjar preys on a variety of flying insects, including moths, termites, and chafers. Its impressive gape allows it to swallow insects up to 3.5 cm in length whole. It hunts at twilight, dawn, and occasionally on moonlit nights, capturing its prey in short flights before returning to its perch.

Breeding

Monogamous and exhibiting strong site fidelity, this species often reuses the same nesting sites annually. Nests are built in natural hollows within rock formations, sometimes filled with wind-blown debris. The breeding season varies by region, with egg-laying occurring at different times across its range. Females lay two eggs, which are incubated for 18.5 to 20 days. Both parents are involved in caring for the highly mobile and well-camouflaged chicks, which fledge at around 19 to 20 days old.

Conservation status

The Freckled Nightjar is classified as Least Concern, with a stable population that is relatively common throughout most of its range. The global population size has not been quantified, but there are no immediate threats that suggest a decline.

Freckled Nightjar Sounds



Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Freckled Nightjars on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Nightjars

A photo of a Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis)

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Amylia S
Best app for any birding person!
I love this app!! I am so addicted to it when I saw it had 3 star review I was so sad! The app is awesome!! The best app for any birding person! ❤️
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Emma L
App got me interested in birding!
Super friendly community <3 This app got me interested in birding! It teaches me cool stuff and its super friendly, and fun :) The species guide is really developing my knowledge, and i love seeing cool new birds from round the world!
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.