Bird

Nechisar Nightjar

Caprimulgus solala

Also known as Nechisar Plains Nightjar

Known originally to science from only a single salvaged wing discovered in 1990 on the Nechisar Plains of southern Ethiopia, this enigmatic nightjar ranks among Africa's most elusive birds. Like its relatives, it relies on exquisitely mottled plumage to vanish into bare ground and scrub by day, hunting nocturnal flying insects by night on silent wings. Sporadic subsequent sightings suggest a precarious existence tied to open grassy bushland, where heavy livestock grazing and habitat degradation present persistent challenges.

NocturnalCamouflagedEndemic

—observations

—countries

—peak records

VulnerableConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyMoths, Beetles, Winged Termites

Predators

Barn Owl
Black-backed Jackal
Serval

ThreatsOvergrazing by domestic livestock, grassland degradation, and agricultural expansion

HabitatsSemi-arid savanna, open grassland, and low Acacia scrub

Life span5–8 years

Classification

FamilyCaprimulgidae
SpeciesCaprimulgus solala

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Harmless and safe to observe from a distance.
What to notice: Look for a medium-large nightjar with heavily mottled, reddish-buff wing covert patches and prominent white wing spots.
Support conservation: Maintain strict distance and refrain from playing call playbacks, as excessive disturbance can displace nesting birds.

Responsible observation

Observation Timing: Scan open savanna tracks during dusk and dawn using a red-tinted flashlight to spot eye-shine.
Minimize Disturbance: Avoid driving off-road in Nechisar National Park to prevent damaging fragile ground-nesting sites.

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