Long-trained Nightjar (Macropsalis forcipata)

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Image of a Long-trained Nightjar in its natural habitat
Birds Nightjar

Introduction

The Long-trained Nightjar, Macropsalis forcipata, is a nocturnal member of the nightjar family, Caprimulgidae. It is best known for the male’s exceptionally elongated outer tail feathers. The species occurs mainly in the Atlantic Forest region of southeastern and southern Brazil, with additional records in Misiones, Argentina. Some recent taxonomic classifications place it in the genus Hydropsalis, as Hydropsalis forcipata, but Macropsalis forcipata remains widely used and is retained here.

Physical Description

The Long-trained Nightjar is a medium-sized nightjar with a mottled brownish, blackish and buff plumage that provides camouflage among leaf litter, bare ground and vegetation. The crown and upperparts are dark and variegated, while the hindneck has a noticeable tawny or buff collar. The wing coverts show large buff spots, and the species lacks a prominent white throat patch.

The most distinctive feature is the tail of the adult male. Its outermost pair of rectrices is greatly elongated, reaching approximately 48–68 centimetres, although the bird’s body and ordinary tail feathers are much shorter. Females lack these long outer feathers and therefore appear less conspicuously tailed. The available evidence indicates clear sexual dimorphism in tail structure and overall appearance, while detailed age-related plumage differences are not well documented.

Range and Habitat

The species is associated primarily with the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil, extending from the southeastern states southwards to Rio Grande do Sul. It also occurs in adjacent northeastern Argentina, especially Misiones, and has been reported from habitats near the borders of the Atlantic Forest region.

The Long-trained Nightjar uses forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, regenerating vegetation, open woodland and disturbed areas. It may occur along quiet dirt roads, in small fields, pastures, plantations and suburban margins, particularly where patches of native vegetation remain. Records range from low elevations to approximately 1,800 metres in hilly and montane areas.

It is generally regarded as a resident species rather than a regular long-distance migrant. Its distribution is closely linked to the forested and semi-open habitats of the southern Atlantic Forest landscape.

Behaviour and Diet

The Long-trained Nightjar is mainly active at night and during the twilight periods around dusk and dawn. Like other nightjars, it feeds by making short aerial sallies from a perch or the ground, taking insects in flight. Moths, beetles and other flying insects are likely to form much of its diet, although detailed, species-specific dietary studies are limited.

Males perform aerial courtship displays in which they fly, chase or circle near females. Vocalisations are relatively simple and may consist of repeated high-pitched notes. The long male tail is most conspicuous during flight and is believed to function primarily in courtship and visual signalling.

Breeding has been documented in southern Brazil from August to December. The nest is a simple depression or exposed site on the ground, usually among low shrubs, ferns or regenerating vegetation, with no substantial nest structure. Clutches contain one or two eggs. In one detailed study, incubation lasted approximately 19 days and was carried out by the female. Nestlings remained at the nest site for about 18–23 days, and females provided the observed parental care. Females may perform an injury-feigning display when approached near a nest or young.

Identification Tips

  • Look for a medium-sized, darkly mottled nightjar with a broad tawny or buff collar on the hindneck.
  • The adult male is unmistakable in suitable light because of his extremely long outer tail feathers, which trail behind the body in flight.
  • Females lack the elongated tail streamers and can appear more like a normally proportioned, dark forest nightjar.
  • The species has buff spotting on the wing coverts and does not show the strong white throat patch or prominent white wing bands found in some similar Hydropsalis nightjars.
  • Individuals may be encountered resting on quiet dirt roads, low vegetation or open ground near forest, especially after dark or around dusk.

Conservation Status

The Long-trained Nightjar is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This global category does not mean that all populations are secure. Habitat clearance, fragmentation, agricultural expansion, urban development and uncontrolled fire can reduce suitable breeding and foraging habitat, particularly within the heavily modified Atlantic Forest.

The species has also been recorded in disturbed and regenerating habitats, and observations from Argentina suggest that it can persist in some altered landscapes. Important conservation measures include protecting remaining Atlantic Forest, maintaining connected forest-edge habitats, reducing destructive fires and safeguarding areas where the species breeds. Population size and long-term population trends are not sufficiently documented to justify a precise estimate here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Long-trained Nightjar live?

It occurs mainly in the Atlantic Forest region of southeastern and southern Brazil, with additional records in Misiones, Argentina. It uses forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, open woodland and some disturbed habitats.

Why is it called the Long-trained Nightjar?

The name refers to the extraordinarily elongated outer tail feathers of the adult male. These feathers form a long trailing train that is especially noticeable during flight and courtship displays.

Is the Long-trained Nightjar nocturnal?

Yes. It is primarily active at night and during twilight, when it hunts flying insects and performs courtship or territorial behaviour.

Do female Long-trained Nightjars have long tail feathers?

No. The extremely long outer tail feathers are a male characteristic. Females have a much shorter, more conventional tail and are less distinctive in flight.

Where does the Long-trained Nightjar nest?

It lays its eggs directly on the ground, usually in low regenerating vegetation, shrubs or ferns. No substantial nest structure is built.

Is the Long-trained Nightjar endangered?

The species is currently classified as Least Concern globally by the IUCN. Nevertheless, local populations may be affected by Atlantic Forest loss, fragmentation, agricultural development and fire.

References

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