Blackish Nightjar (Nyctipolus nigrescens)

Identification & Behavior: ~20 cm (8 in). The Blackish Nightjar is spotted with blackish and brown and has an overall blackish appearance. It has a buff half collar or band across the throat that can often be difficult to see. The tail is relatively long and barred with dusky and brown and has small white tips in the male only. The underparts are barred with gray and black.  The male has a narrow pale wing band, which is absent in the female. When perched, the tail does not protrude beyond the folded wings. See, Rufous Nightjar and Spot-tailed Nightjar.

Status: The geographic distribution of the Blackish Nightjar appears to be dictated by the presence of stunted forest and tall scrub. Overall, it occurs in seemingly isolated populations at elevations ranging between 600-1350 m on the east slope of the Andes. It also occurs at lower elevations in Amazonia. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Chotacabras Negruzco.

Sub-species: Blackish Nightjar (Nyctipolus nigrescens nigrescens), Cabanis, 1849.

Meaning of Name: Nyctipolus: Gr. nux, nuktos= night and poleō= to haunt, nuktipolos roaming by night. nigrescens: L. nigrescentis, niger= black, blackish.

See more of the Family Caprimulgidae