Sykes’s Nightjar

Caprimulgus mahrattensis

Order:

Caprimulgiformes

Family:

Caprimulgidae

Size:

22 to 24 centimeters (8.7 to 9.4 inches)

Weight:

40 to 60 grams (1.4 to 2.1 ounces)

Taxonomy:

Sykes, 1832

Short Description:

Sykes's Nightjar (Caprimulgus mahrattensis), also known as the Sykes's Jungle Nightjar, is a nocturnal bird species found in Pakistan. It has cryptic plumage, typically consisting of various shades of brown, grey, and black, providing excellent camouflage against the ground and vegetation. Sykes's Nightjar has a short, rounded tail and long, pointed wings. It is primarily insectivorous, using its wide mouth to catch flying insects.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

In Pakistan, Sykes’s Nightjar is primarily found in various habitats, including open woodlands, scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid regions. It is distributed across different regions of the country, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

Sykes’s Nightjar is strictly nocturnal, resting during the day and becoming active at dusk to hunt insects. It is known for its 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. Sykes’s Nightjar plays a vital role in controlling insect populations and contributes to the biodiversity of Pakistan’s nocturnal fauna.