Birdwatch: Large-tailed Nightjar, a cryptic nocturnal bird spotted in Chandigarh’s open forests

The male and female of the species look similar. It feeds on insects including mosquitoes, beetles, bugs, wasps, moths, crickets etc.

Large-tailed Nightjar breeds from March to June. This bird does not make nests and lays eggs in a shallow depression usually in shady areas ie; under trees and bushes.

Large-tailed Nightjar is identified by its buffer tail patches, buffer wing patch and white throat band along with a rusty nuchal collar. The bird has a special short and wide greyish bill which can enlarge into an enormous ‘scoop’ for catching insects in flight.

Its call is monotonous. When it senses danger from intruders near the spot where the pair lays eggs, the bird starts behaving in a queer manner.

The female lays one or two mottled eggs completely camouflaged with pebbles. A female sits on the eggs during day time and the male takes the turn during the night. Incubation lasts from 16 to 18 days. The young one fledges at about three weeks of age.