Photo: Frank Vassen / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Madagascar Nightjar
Caprimulgus madagascariensis
Madagascar Nightjar (Caprimulgus madagascariensis) — Nightjars & Allies of Africa.
The Madagascar Nightjar (Caprimulgus madagascariensis) is a member of the Caprimulgidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 41.1 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 madagascariensis
Quick facts
- Weight
- 41.1 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Caprimulgidae
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Madagascar Nightjar is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of semi-open woodland, it is highly aerial, spending much of its time on the wing.
Migration
The Madagascar Nightjar is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Madagascar Nightjar (Caprimulgus madagascariensis) belongs to the Caprimulgidae family of the order Caprimulgiformes. Its range spans Africa. Its distribution covers AF Aldabra (sw Seychelles) and Madagascar.
It is a small bird. Adults weighs around 41.1 g, with a wing length of about 15.2 cm and a tail of around 10.4 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
The species has a mapped global range of roughly 591,000 km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Madagascar Nightjar?
The Madagascar Nightjar is a small bird that weighs around 41.1 g.
Where does the Madagascar Nightjar live?
The Madagascar Nightjar is found across Africa with a range covering AF Aldabra (sw Seychelles) and Madagascar, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Madagascar Nightjar belong to?
The Madagascar Nightjar (Caprimulgus madagascariensis) belongs to the Caprimulgidae family, in the order Caprimulgiformes.
What does the Madagascar Nightjar eat?
The Madagascar Nightjar is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the Madagascar Nightjar migrate?
The Madagascar Nightjar is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Madagascar 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 Madagascar Nightjar make?
1 real field recording of the Madagascar 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 Madagascar Nightjar's range?
The Madagascar Nightjar has a mapped global range of about 591,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
Explore more birds
More in Caprimulgidae
Least Concern
Least Concern
Not Evaluated
Least Concern
Least Concern
Vulnerable
More in Nightjars & Allies
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Least Concern