Bird

Fiery necked Nightjar Sightings

Caprimulgus pectoralis

Least ConcernPrey speciesFound in 4 parks

Want to know where and when to find Fiery necked Nightjar? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.

Where to see Fiery necked Nightjar in South Africa

About the Fiery necked Nightjar

The fiery-necked nightjar is a nocturnal bird of southern and eastern Africa, commonly associated with woodland, savanna and forest edges. It has cryptic brown, grey and buff plumage that makes it extremely difficult to see when resting on the ground or a low branch during the day. It becomes active around dusk and at night, feeding mainly on flying insects caught in the air. Its distinctive repeated call is often the easiest way to detect its presence.

How to identify the Fiery necked Nightjar

Medium-sized nightjar with cryptic mottled brown, grey and buff plumage, large dark eyes and a broad mouth. Males often show distinctive white markings on the wings and tail, while females have smaller, less conspicuous pale markings.

Did you know?

Fiery-necked Nightjars are often detected by their distinctive repeated nocturnal calls long before they are seen, as their camouflage makes them extremely difficult to spot on the ground.

Also known as: Nightjar, Rooikeelnaguil

Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Fiery necked Nightjar, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.