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LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR ROCKING AND PANTING

on 19th April 2016

Large-tailed Nightjar

“On the 14th March 2016, I was observing a Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) which was well camouflaged on the ground (above).

“If it kept still as a statue, it blended in perfectly with the fallen leaves around itself. However, it would occasionally make rocking motions from side to side, and this was when I spotted a young chick nestled underneath.

Large-tailed Nightjar

“In the heat of the afternoon, this nightjar would have its beak ajar (above), and pant (gular fluttering) to keep itself cool.

“Video clips of the Nightjar rocking and panting, with sneak peeks of the chick poking about underneath, may be previewed here:”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
5th April 2016

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

2 Responses

  1. One thing I have never understood about nightjars is how they manage to avoid being trampled on or disturbed by other creatures, being on the ground most of the time.

  2. Good point you brought up. Indeed, by nesting on the ground, the eggs & chicks of Nightjars can be very vulnerable indeed. There must have been casualties for sure, but generally, the parents try to select a safe, secure & secluded spot to bring up their young. We just need to ensure that such green havens remain for them to breed.

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