Square-tailed Nightjar

The Square-tailed Nightjar, Caprimulgus fossii, is a nocturnal bird native to the tropical and subtropical woodlands of the Afrotropics. Its name, while not entirely accurate, draws attention to a notable characteristic of its tail, which is not completely square but is distinctive enough to warrant mention. This bird is also referred to by various names depending on the region, including the Gabon Nightjar, Gaboon Nightjar, or Mozambique Nightjar.

Identification Tips

The Square-tailed Nightjar can be identified by its unique tail shape, which is less elongated than that of its close relatives. It exhibits a cryptic plumage that blends seamlessly with the woodland floor, an adaptation for its nocturnal habits.

Habitat

This species thrives in tropical and subtropical woodlands, preferring environments that offer ample cover and open spaces for its nocturnal foraging.

Distribution

The Square-tailed Nightjar is predominantly found south of the African equator, extending its range into the tropics during the northern hemisphere summer. It is a seasonal visitor to regions such as the northern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northern Tanzania, southern Kenya, and southern Uganda. The bird is present year-round in countries including Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Behaviour

This nightjar is known for its nocturnal activities, blending into the woodland floor during the day and emerging at dusk to forage and call.

Song & Calls

The call of the Square-tailed Nightjar is a distinctive prolonged churring that alternates between fast and slow paces approximately every second. This vocalization sets it apart from similar species such as the long-tailed and slender-tailed nightjars, which produce churrs at consistent speeds.

Subspecies

There are several subspecies of the Square-tailed Nightjar, each adapted to specific regions within its range:

• C. f. fossii, found in western Gabon and nearby areas.
• C. f. welwitschii, inhabiting mainly inland plateaus from the DRC to northern Namibia.
• C. f. mossambicus, present in lowlands and lowveld from the DRC to South Africa.
• C. f. griseoplurus, located in the Kalahari desert and vicinity, and is a seasonal visitor in Botswana.

Similar Species

The Square-tailed Nightjar can be confused with the Slender-tailed Nightjar, which shares a similar plumage but can be distinguished by its protruding central tail feathers.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Square-tailed Nightjar as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.