Photo: John Gerrard Keulemans / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Golden Nightjar
Caprimulgus eximius
Golden Nightjar (Caprimulgus eximius) — Nightjars & Allies of Africa.
The Golden Nightjar (Caprimulgus eximius) is a member of the Caprimulgidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 66.3 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Caprimulgiformes
- Family Caprimulgidae Nightjars
- Genus Caprimulgus
- Species eximius
Quick facts
- Weight
- 66.3 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Caprimulgidae
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Habitat
- Grassland & open country
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Golden Nightjar is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of arid, desert country, it is highly aerial, spending much of its time on the wing.
Migration
The Golden Nightjar is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
The Golden Nightjar (Caprimulgus eximius) is a species of bird in the Caprimulgidae family, part of the order Caprimulgiformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF ne, nc, w.
It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 66.3 g, with a wing length of about 18.2 cm and a tail of around 11.3 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 2 million km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Golden Nightjar?
The Golden Nightjar is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 66.3 g.
Where does the Golden Nightjar live?
The Golden Nightjar is found across Africa with a range covering AF ne, nc, w, where it favours open grassland, scrub and lightly vegetated country.
What family does the Golden Nightjar belong to?
The Golden Nightjar (Caprimulgus eximius) belongs to the Caprimulgidae family, in the order Caprimulgiformes.
What does the Golden Nightjar eat?
The Golden Nightjar is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the Golden Nightjar migrate?
The Golden Nightjar is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
Is the Golden Nightjar endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
What sound does the Golden Nightjar make?
1 real field recording of the Golden Nightjar — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Golden Nightjar's range?
The Golden Nightjar has a mapped global range of about 2 million km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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