Large-tailed Nightjar

Identification

The large-tailed nightjar measures approximately 31.5 to 33 cm in length and is instantly recognizable by its distinctive long, broad tail and cryptic plumage. Males display striking markings: a pale crown with a dark median stripe, a prominent row of black scapular feathers bordered by broad buff or whitish-buff fringes, and a white throat patch. Their long, broad brown tail is marked with uneven dark bars, and they show large white patches on their primaries and outer tail feathers in flight. Females are considerably drabber, with paler and greyer plumage overall, smaller buff-coloured wing patches, and less vibrant tail markings. The species' exceptional camouflage allows it to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings, making field identification a rewarding challenge.

Range & Habitat

The large-tailed nightjar inhabits a vast range spanning from northern India through eastern China and Indonesia to northern Australia. It is found across 18 countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. The species favours subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, mangrove forests, and moist montane forests, but has proven adaptable to secondary forests, forest edges, plantations, wooded parks, and even agricultural landscapes.

In agricultural areas, large-tailed nightjars are of significant economic interest to farmers as they are believed to play an important role in biological control of insect pests through their nocturnal feeding habits.

Behaviour & Diet

Large-tailed nightjars are primarily nocturnal and aerial insectivores, hunting flying insects—particularly beetles and moths—while in flight. Occasionally they may walk on the ground and peck at terrestrial ants, though this behaviour was once thought to be rare. Recent observations suggest ground foraging may occur more frequently than previously believed, particularly when flying insects are scarce. These birds rely heavily on acoustic communication rather than visual cues, employing a distinctive monotonous territorial song typically given by males from perches or occasionally during pursuit-flights. They also produce deep, low-pitched grunting calls described as "wroww" sounds or fast-repeated "wrrrog" or "grrrog" notes. Vocal activity occurs year-round but varies with breeding activity, population density, and moon phase.

Best Time & Places to See It

Large-tailed nightjars are most vocal and active during the breeding season, which extends from mid-March to late September, making this the optimal period for locating them by sound. Listening for their distinctive monotonous territorial songs after dusk offers the best chance of detection. Search secondary forests, forest edges, plantations, and wooded parks throughout their extensive Asian and Australian range. Their cryptic nocturnal nature and excellent camouflage mean that spotting them visually requires patience and careful searching around roosting sites at dawn or dusk.

Photography Tips

Photographing large-tailed nightjars presents considerable challenges due to their nocturnal habits and exceptional camouflage. Locate birds by listening for their territorial songs during the breeding season, then use a headlamp with a red filter to avoid disturbing them. Photograph males in flight to capture the striking white patches on primaries and outer tail feathers, and the distinctive long tail. Early morning or late evening light offers the best opportunities. patience is essential—these masterfully camouflaged birds blend into leaf litter and branches, making them difficult to spot even when their location is known. If lucky enough to find a roosting bird, approach slowly and avoid sudden movements to prevent flushing.