Anthony’s Nightjar (Nyctidromus anthonyi)

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Image of a Anthony's Nightjar in its natural habitat
Birds Nightjar

Introduction

Anthony’s Nightjar, also known as the Scrub Nightjar, is a nocturnal member of the nightjar family, Caprimulgidae. Its accepted scientific name is Nyctidromus anthonyi (Chapman, 1923). Unlike the broader distribution suggested in some older summaries, this species is restricted to western Ecuador and north-western Peru, where it occupies dry lowland habitats and semi-deciduous woodland. Its cryptic plumage, quiet daytime habits and evening vocal activity make it easy to overlook.

Physical Description

Anthony’s Nightjar is a medium-sized nightjar measuring approximately 19 cm in length. It has a compact body, long pointed wings and a relatively short tail. The plumage is mainly brown, grey-brown, buff and black, with intricate mottling that provides camouflage when the bird rests on the ground or a low perch.

Diagnostic features include dark-and-buff patterning on the scapulars, buff spots on the wing-coverts, rufous-tinged cheeks and a narrow pale line above the eye. In flight, white bands across the primary feathers and pale markings on the outer tail feathers become more noticeable. Males generally show clearer white markings, while females tend to have narrower, more buff-coloured wing bands and less distinct tail markings.

No reliable species-specific information was found to support the original article’s weight range or detailed descriptions of juvenile plumage, so those claims are not repeated here.

Range and Habitat

Anthony’s Nightjar occurs in western Ecuador and north-western Peru. In Ecuador, records extend through several western provinces, including El Oro, Guayas, Loja, Manabí and Santa Elena. In Peru, it is associated mainly with the north-western lowlands and the middle Marañón Valley.

It inhabits dry scrub, semi-deciduous forest, deciduous woodland, grassland and open areas with scattered trees and shrubs. It may also occur along forest edges and in other lightly wooded landscapes. Most records are from low elevations, generally below about 900 m, although occasional observations may occur higher.

The species is not regarded as a long-distance migrant. Local or seasonal movements may occur in response to rainfall and the availability of insect prey, but the extent and regularity of these movements are not well documented.

Behaviour and Diet

Anthony’s Nightjar is primarily nocturnal. During daylight, it usually remains concealed on the ground or on a low perch, relying on its mottled plumage to blend into leaf litter, bare soil and dry vegetation. It is generally encountered singly, in pairs or in loose groups rather than in large flocks.

At dusk and during the night, it makes short aerial sorties to catch flying insects. The diet consists chiefly of moths, beetles and other nocturnal insects. Like other nightjars, it has a wide gape suited to taking prey in flight.

Its vocal activity is most noticeable during the breeding or rainy season. The song has been described as a clear, repeated whistle, accompanied in some circumstances by rasping or rough calls. Vocalisations are likely to be important in territory defence and mate attraction, although the species’ breeding biology remains incompletely documented.

Species-specific information about clutch size, incubation, chick development and parental care is limited in the authoritative sources consulted. Nightjars commonly lay their eggs directly on the ground, but detailed breeding claims for Anthony’s Nightjar should be treated cautiously unless supported by field observations.

Identification Tips

When looking for Anthony’s Nightjar, concentrate on dry scrub, semi-deciduous woodland and open country with scattered vegetation, particularly around dusk and after dark.

Useful field marks include:

  • A small-to-medium nightjar, about 19 cm long.
  • Cryptic brown, grey-brown, buff and black plumage.
  • Rufous-tinged cheeks and a narrow pale eyebrow line.
  • White wing bands and pale outer-tail markings visible in flight.
  • A relatively short tail compared with the Common Pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis.
  • A preference for lowland dry habitats rather than humid forest interiors.

The Common Pauraque may occur in parts of the same broad region, but it is generally larger and longer-tailed. Anthony’s Nightjar is also darker and more strongly patterned, with a more restricted association with dry scrub and deciduous woodland. The two species are best separated by a combination of size, habitat, plumage pattern, flight markings and voice.

Conservation Status

Anthony’s Nightjar is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This category does not mean that the species is unaffected by environmental change, and detailed information about its population size and long-term trend remains limited.

The principal potential pressures are the loss and degradation of dry scrub and semi-deciduous woodland through agricultural expansion, grazing, urban development, vegetation clearance and other land-use changes. Reductions in nocturnal insect prey, including through inappropriate pesticide use, may also affect the species, although the scale of this threat has not been quantified specifically for Anthony’s Nightjar.

Conservation priorities include protecting remaining dry-forest and scrub habitats in western Ecuador and north-western Peru, maintaining habitat mosaics with open ground and scattered vegetation, and improving field surveys of distribution, abundance, vocalisations and breeding ecology. Existing protected areas and regional biodiversity reserves are important components of this work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Anthony’s Nightjar live?

It occurs in western Ecuador and north-western Peru, especially in dry scrub, semi-deciduous forest, deciduous woodland and other open lowland habitats with scattered trees and shrubs.

Is Anthony’s Nightjar found throughout the Americas?

No. It is restricted to a relatively small range in western South America. It is not a species of southern Mexico, Central America, Colombia or Venezuela.

What does Anthony’s Nightjar eat?

It feeds mainly on flying insects, including moths, beetles and other nocturnal insects caught during aerial foraging.

When is Anthony’s Nightjar active?

It is primarily active from dusk through the night. During the day, it usually rests on the ground or on a low perch where its cryptic plumage provides camouflage.

How can Anthony’s Nightjar be identified in the field?

Look for a small, intricately patterned brown nightjar in dry scrub or deciduous woodland. White wing bands and pale markings on the outer tail feathers are particularly useful when the bird is flushed or seen in flight.

Is Anthony’s Nightjar threatened?

The species is currently classified as Least Concern. Nevertheless, the dry forests and scrublands on which it depends are vulnerable to clearance and degradation, so habitat protection and further monitoring remain important.

References

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