Fierynecked Nightjar

Drowsily attempting to spot wildlife during a night drive, I looked down from the great mechanical height of our safari vehicle just in time to see a little ball of feathers on the road. The truck halted before backing up slowly over the crunching gravel and halting again. Suddenly aware of the silence, I thought about what I'd be without the metallic armor of a truck in a place like this. The guide hopped out of the front, crept up to the feathery creature that was sitting like a rubber duck, and made a grab for it. It turned out to be a Fierynecked Nightjar, which is just about the cutest bird I've ever seen. This is an example of the field journal entries we must complete for 48 of our species: (I will add a photo when my computer is being more cooperative)

Caprimulgus pectoralis (Fierynecked Nightjar) 7/19/08. Kruger National Park. Night.

I looked down from the great mechanical height of our safari vehicle just in time to see a little ball of feathers on the road.

Physical Description/ Distinguishing Features: Orange, brown, white and black plumage mixed in together in pretty, cryptic patterns. Orange ring around neck. Big eyes. Sits like a rubber duck when resting. Small, pointed beak.

Habitat/ Physical Features: Dry area with vegetation of similar heights due to damage. Vegetation is sometimes green, but mostly reddish brown or yellow. Tall, yellow grass.

Behavior/Socialization with Humans: Solitary, it was sitting on the road as we drove by. I thought this was a peculiar place to sit. It stayed still enough for the driver to pick it up.

Feeding habits/ Diet: Insectivorous.

Similar Species/ Sub Species: Caprimulgus rufigena (Rufouscheeked Nightjar), Caprimulgus europaeus (European Nightjar), Caprimulgus fossii (Square-tailed Nightjar), Caprimulgus tristigma (Freckled Nightjar), Macrodipteryx vesillarius (Pennantwinged Nightjar).

Current/Historical Distribution: South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Congo (Kinshasa), Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Management/ Conservation: Least concern on IUCN Red List

-Leah Keller