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Large-tailed Nightjar’s large gape

on 31st May 2018
Adult and chick.

Jeremiah Loei’s images of the Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) show the extremely large gape, even for the chick.

Chick’s large gape.

According to Cleere (1999), nightjars “…have an enormous gape with an extremely sensitive palate, and are able to open their mouths both vertically and horizontally…” which come in useful in night feeding – see also HERE and HERE.

The large gape enables the bird to catch insects in flight. When opening its mouth, the lower jaw balloons from a V-shape to a semicircle, greatly increasing the catch area, thus becoming a “monster-mouth insect trap” LINK.

Another view of the chick’s large gape.

According to Cowles (1967), nightjars’ palate is vascular and membraneous, thus highly sensitive. This might also be an adaptation for nocturnal aerial feeding.

It has also been suggested that the large gape acts as a threat display LINK.

Jeremiah Loei
Singapore
24th May 2018

References:
1.
Cleere, N., 1999. Family Caprimulgidae (Nightjars). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. (eds.), Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 5. Barn-owls to hummingbirds. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 302-386.
2. Cowles, G.S., 1967. The palate of the Red-necked Nightjar. With a description of a new feature. Ibis 109: 260-265.

This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behaviour through photography and videography to a wider audience.

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.

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