Discovering the Fiery - Necked Nightjar
As dusk falls on the African savannas, a melodious yet mysterious song fills the air, reminiscent of an old whispered prayer, "Good Lord, deliver us".
This chant belongs to the Fiery - Necked Nightjar, a fascinating bird that thrives under the cover of night.
A member of the Caprimulgidae family, which is home to around 90 species including Nightjars and Nighthawks, this bird is not only a master of camouflage but also an integral part of the nocturnal wildlife symphony.
Description and Features
Typically measuring between 23 - 25 cm, the Fiery - Necked Nightjar boasts a plumage that mirrors the twilight hues of its woodland habitat.
Its body is draped in variegated patterns of grayish - brown and brownish - white, perfectly blending with the leaf litter and branches of its environment.
The bird's name derives from its distinctive rufous, or tawny, collar that graces the back of its neck - a fiery mark in the dim light.
Males and females are distinguishable: males feature white markings on their wingtips and tail feathers, while these spots appear more buff - colored and subdued in females.
One of the more peculiar features of the Fiery - Necked Nightjar is its rictal bristles, long hair - like feathers around the beak. These bristles, which can grow up to 20 mm, serve both as protective eye gear and as aids in catching prey.
Moreover, their middle toes sport pectinate claws equipped with bristles, used diligently for preening and maintaining their cryptic coats.
Vocalization and Behavior
The Fiery - Necked Nightjar's vocal repertoire is both varied and vital. Its primary song, which has inspired its common description, is typically a prelude to the breeding season, filling the twilight hours with hopes of attracting a mate.
During this time, other calls such as the sharp "chuck" might signal alarm or be used in conjunction with foraging.
Chicks, barely days old, respond to the protective "wooting" call of adults, a sound designed to shepherd them to safety.
The Insectivorous Lifestyle
True to its family's traits, the Fiery - Necked Nightjar is an adept insect hunter. Preferring the cover of night or the low light of dusk and dawn, it employs a hunting method known as "hawking".
From a strategic perch, it launches into the air to snag flying insects with remarkable agility. Its diet is diverse, heavily featuring moths, beetles, and other night - active insects which form the core sustenance for itself and its offspring.
A Cycle Synched with the Seasons
Unlike some of its relatives who breed in the spring, the Fiery - Necked Nightjar waits until after the dry season to commence its breeding rituals.
It typically lays two clutches annually, each with two salmon - pink, speckled eggs. Nesting sites are usually a simple affair - a scrape on the ground camouflaged with leaves and debris, shielded under the canopy of an accommodating tree.
Conservation
Currently listed as of Least Concern by the IUCN, the Fiery - Necked Nightjar benefits from a stable population and a broad geographic range across sub - Saharan Africa.
From South Sudan and Kenya down through to South Africa, this bird's presence is a testament to the robust health of several African ecosystems.
Conclusion
The Fiery - Necked Nightjar, with its beguiling behaviors and nocturnal serenades, remains a symbol of the wild, untamed spirit of Africa’s nightscapes.
For bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, the discovery of this Nightjar during a twilight walk or a night drive adds an unforgettable layer of magic and mystery to the African wilderness experience.
About The Author
Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.
Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.
To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography
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