Indian Nightjar

Caprimulgus asiaticus

Order:

Caprimulgiformes

Family:

Caprimulgidae

Size:

24 to 28 centimeters (9.5 to 11 inches)

Weight:

50 to 100 grams (1.8 to 3.5 ounces)

Taxonomy:

Latham, 1790

Short Description:

The Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus) is a medium-sized nocturnal bird found in Pakistan. It has cryptic plumage, typically consisting of various shades of brown, grey, and black, providing excellent camouflage against the ground and leaf litter. Indian Nightjars have large eyes adapted for low-light conditions and a wide mouth for catching flying insects. Their short, rounded wings enable agile flight in pursuit of prey.

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In Pakistan, the Indian Nightjar is primarily found in open woodlands, scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid habitats. It is distributed across different regions of the country, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. They are known to inhabit both rural and urban areas, often found near human settlements.

Indian Nightjars are strictly nocturnal birds, resting during the day and becoming active at dusk to hunt insects, their primary prey. They are known for their distinctive churring calls, which males produce during the breeding season to attract mates and establish territories. Their flight is silent and moth-like, allowing them to sneak up on unsuspecting prey. During the day, they typically roost on the ground, relying on their cryptic plumage to remain hidden from predators. Indian Nightjars are well-adapted to their nocturnal lifestyle, with large eyes that are sensitive to low light conditions and whisker-like feathers around their mouths to help detect flying insects. Overall, Indian Nightjars contribute to the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and play an essential role in Pakistan’s nocturnal biodiversity.