Tschudi’s Nightjar (Systellura decussata)

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

Introduction

Tschudi’s Nightjar, Systellura decussata, is a small nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It occurs mainly in western Peru and extreme northern Chile, where it inhabits arid coastal landscapes, foothills and other open areas. The species was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Band-winged Nightjar, Systellura longirostris. Some recent taxonomic treatments place it in the separate genus Quechuavis, but Systellura decussata remains a widely used scientific name.

Physical Description

Tschudi’s Nightjar is approximately 20–22 cm long. Its plumage is predominantly sandy grey-brown, with fine vermiculation, streaks and spots in grey, brown, buff and whitish tones. This cryptic pattern provides effective camouflage when the bird rests on the ground during daylight.

A pale, often buff or rufous-tinged collar is visible around the hindneck. Males have conspicuous white markings on the wings and outer tail feathers, while females generally show narrower, duller buff or brown markings. The male also has a small white throat patch; in females, the throat is usually buff. As in other nightjars, the eyes are large and adapted to low-light conditions.

Range and Habitat

Tschudi’s Nightjar is found along much of the western side of Peru and in extreme northern Chile. In Peru, it has been recorded from sea level to about 1,300 metres. Records from Chile extend to approximately 3,350 metres, although much of its Chilean range is at lower elevation.

It occupies arid coastal scrub, dry open country, clearings, fields, rocky ground and wooded edges. It may also occur in disturbed areas and urban environments, including parts of Lima. The species is not generally regarded as migratory, and there is no reliable evidence that it depends on rivers, oases or other permanent water sources.

Behaviour and Diet

Tschudi’s Nightjar is primarily nocturnal. During the day it is believed to rest on the ground or on low perches, where its patterned plumage makes it difficult to detect. It becomes active around dusk and at night, when it may fly from low perches or open ground.

Like other nightjars, it is expected to take flying insects, but the species’ diet and feeding behaviour have not been studied in detail. Specific claims about regular prey such as moths or beetles, or about a distinctive low, erratic hunting style, are not currently well documented for Tschudi’s Nightjar.

The breeding season is thought to begin in November or earlier and to continue into January. Tschudi’s Nightjar is presumed to nest on the ground, as do many related nightjars, but detailed information on clutch size, incubation, chick development and parental care is lacking. Its lifespan in the wild has not been reliably established.

The species’ vocalisations include a loud series of slightly buzzy notes often rendered as “cueeo”, together with a squeaky alarm call described as “wick”.

Identification Tips

  • Look for a small, cryptically patterned nightjar in dry coastal scrub, open ground or foothill habitats in western Peru and northern Chile.
  • The overall colour is sandy grey-brown, with dense fine markings rather than bold contrasting patches.
  • A pale collar around the hindneck is often visible, especially when the bird is alert.
  • Males show clear white wing bands and white markings on the outer tail feathers. Females usually have reduced buff or brown versions of these markings.
  • The species is most likely to be detected at dusk or after dark, or when it flushes from the ground.
  • Identification can be difficult because Tschudi’s Nightjar was historically included within the Band-winged Nightjar complex. Geographic location, habitat and the combination of size, plumage and wing and tail markings are important when separating it from other nightjars.

Conservation Status

Tschudi’s Nightjar is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Its population has not been quantified, but available assessments have considered it stable. The species has a broad distribution across western Peru and northern Chile and can tolerate some disturbed and urban habitats.

Local habitat loss or alteration caused by development, agriculture and changes to dry coastal environments may affect particular populations. However, the available sources do not provide a reliable estimate of the scale of these impacts. Continued surveys are important because the species’ abundance, breeding biology, movements and population trend remain poorly documented.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Tschudi’s Nightjar live?

It occurs mainly in western Peru and extreme northern Chile, particularly in arid coastal scrub, open country, foothills, clearings and wooded edges.

What does Tschudi’s Nightjar look like?

It is a small sandy grey-brown nightjar with finely patterned plumage, a pale hindneck collar and contrasting wing and tail markings. Males usually have brighter white markings than females.

Is Tschudi’s Nightjar nocturnal?

Yes. It is mainly active from dusk through the night and usually rests during the day on the ground or on low perches.

What does Tschudi’s Nightjar eat?

Its diet has not been studied in detail. As a nightjar, it is expected to feed on flying insects, but reliable species-specific information is limited.

When does Tschudi’s Nightjar breed?

Breeding activity is thought to occur from November or earlier through January. Most details of its nesting behaviour and development remain unknown.

Is Tschudi’s Nightjar endangered?

The species is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population has not been counted, although the available assessment considers it stable.

References

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