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Image of Red-necked Nightjar,
Red-necked Nightjar,

The Red-necked Nightjar, with its reddish collar and haunting dusk calls, thrives in Mediterranean landscapes. Contrastingly, the Spotted Nightjar glides silently through Australian nights, its speckled feathers blending seamlessly with the starlit sky, both vital nocturnal insect predators in their respective ecosystems.

12 years
Lifespan
19.8 - 187.1 g
Weight
Length: 30 cm
Size
Brown, Grey, Black, White
Color
1 year
Age of Sexual Maturity
Characteristics
Caprimulgus ruficollis, commonly known as the Red-necked Nightjar, is a nocturnal bird found in open woodlands and scrublands across Southern Europe and North Africa. It features a distinctive reddish-brown neck, cryptic plumage for camouflage, and a mesmerizing, rhythmic call. Eurostopodus argus, or the Spotted Nightjar, inhabits Australia and New Guinea, recognizable by its spotted appearance and silent flight, aiding in nocturnal insect hunting.
Distribution Range of the Red-necked Nightjar,
Caprimulgus ruficollis, commonly known as the Red-necked Nightjar, is primarily found in the Iberian Peninsula, including Spain and Portugal, and extends into parts of North Africa, specifically Morocco. Eurostopodus argus, known as the Spotted Nightjar, is native to Northern and Eastern Australia, and parts of Papua New Guinea.
Red-necked Nightjar,'s Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Caprimulgus ruficollis prefers open woodlands, scrublands, and areas with sandy soils, often near water sources. The climate in its native region is typically Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Eurostopodus argus inhabits open forests, savannas, and shrublands, preferring areas with sparse vegetation. The climate in its native distribution is tropical to subtropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Ecological Niche
Both species are nocturnal and crepuscular, feeding primarily on insects captured in flight. They are adapted to ground nesting, often relying on their cryptic plumage for camouflage. Caprimulgus ruficollis has adapted to its Mediterranean environment by exploiting the abundance of insects during warmer months, while Eurostopodus argus has adapted to the varied climates of Australia and Papua New Guinea by being flexible in its habitat choice, ranging from arid areas to more humid, forested regions.