Wildlifeof Thailand
Savanna Nightjar
Caprimulgidae
Photo: Cataloging Nature · CC BY 2.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Caprimulgus affinis
Basic stats
Diet
Invertebrates
Habitat
Lowland open grassland, sugar cane, wheat fields and rocky river soils; rooftops in cities
Range
South and Southeast Asia
Size
20–26cm
Wingspan
About 64cm
Weight
54–110g
The savanna nightjar, also called the allied or Franklin's nightjar, is 20–26 cm long, weighing 54–110 g, with a wingspan of about 64 cm, and size varies by subspecies. Like other nightjars it is nocturnal, with large eyes, a wide bill that opens to a large gape ringed by bristles, and excellent camouflage. Males have distinct white patches on the throat, tail and wings. It is told from similar south Asian nightjars, such as the chirruping nightjar, by its voice (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is found in South and Southeast Asia, occupying lowland open grasslands, sugar-cane plantations, wheat fields and rocky soils around rivers and streams. With urban development the roofs of tall buildings have become an ideal nesting site in Indonesia and Taiwan. The female incubates while the male guards the nest (Wikipedia, general species account).
Quick answers
- What does the Savanna Nightjar eat?
- Invertebrates
- What habitat does the Savanna Nightjar live in?
- Lowland open grassland, sugar cane, wheat fields and rocky river soils; rooftops in cities
- Where is the Savanna Nightjar found?
- South and Southeast Asia
- How big is the Savanna Nightjar?
- 20–26cm
- What is the wingspan of the Savanna Nightjar?
- About 64cm
- How much does the Savanna Nightjar weigh?
- 54–110g