Jerdon’s Nightjar, also known as the Sri Lankan Nightjar, is a small nocturnal bird found in the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. It is a member of the Caprimulgidae family, which includes other nightjars, nighthawks, and whip-poor-wills.
Appearance
Jerdon’s Nightjar has a plump body, with a length of around 21-23 cm and a weight of 35-60 g. It has a grey-brown plumage with fine, dark streaks, and its underparts are pale with black streaks. Its eyes are large and black, and it has a short bill with a broad gape. The male has a distinctive white patch on its throat, while the female’s throat is plain.
Habitat and Distribution
Jerdon’s Nightjar is primarily found in forested areas, including dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and rainforests. It is also known to inhabit tea and coffee plantations. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, and possibly in Nepal and Bhutan. In India, it is found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and parts of central India.
Behavior and Diet
Jerdon’s Nightjar is a nocturnal bird, and is active during the night. It feeds on insects, such as moths, beetles, and termites, which it catches in flight. It has a distinctive call, which is a series of harsh, churring notes that increase in speed and pitch. The call is often heard during the breeding season, which is between February and May.
Breeding and Conservation
Jerdon’s Nightjar breeds on the ground, laying a single egg on the leaf litter or soil. The egg is creamy-white with brown and grey spots, and is incubated by both parents. The chicks are able to fly after around 15-20 days.
Jerdon’s Nightjar is listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, its population is believed to be declining due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as predation by domestic cats and dogs. It is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act in India, and its conservation status is monitored by various organizations.