Pennant-winged Nightjar

The Pennant-winged Nightjar, known scientifically as Caprimulgus vexillarius, is a captivating species of nightjar that exhibits a remarkable sexual dimorphism, particularly during the breeding season. This bird is an intra-African migrant, gracing the skies from Nigeria to northern South Africa.

Identification Tips

Male Pennant-winged Nightjars are distinguished by a broad white band across their otherwise black primaries. During the breeding season, males develop a striking second primary feather, or "pennant," which can grow up to twice their body length in successive years. These feathers are quickly shed after the breeding season concludes. The wings of the male are notably angular due to the varying lengths of the primaries.

Habitat

South of the equator, these nightjars favor plateau woodlands, with a particular fondness for Miombo woodlands. They are often found on stony or boulder-strewn hillsides, which provide an ideal backdrop for their nocturnal activities.

Distribution

The Pennant-winged Nightjar is a bi-annual and social passage migrant observed along the Kenyan Rift Valley and Lake Victoria regions. During the non-breeding season, they reside in subtropical savannas stretching from Nigeria to Sudan.

Behaviour

These nightjars emerge in the late afternoon or just after sunset for crepuscular feeding and are active again before dawn. They are known to drink on the wing, gliding slowly over water surfaces. When disturbed, they may adopt a perch lengthwise on a branch, similar to the European nightjar.

Song & Calls

The male's song, used to attract females, is reminiscent of insect-like sounds. It is a key component of their display during the breeding season.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from spring to early summer in the southern hemisphere. Males establish separate display territories and engage in display flights to attract females. These flights can occur low through the woodland or at great heights. Egg-laying is timed with the full moon, and by mid-summer, some individuals begin their journey back to the northern hemisphere.

Diet and Feeding

The Pennant-winged Nightjar's diet consists of various insects, with a preference for scarab beetles. They forage by flying through the air, capturing prey with their mouths.

Conservation status

The Pennant-winged Nightjar is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.