Habitat for camouflage is priority in preference besides harsh physical conditions in three species of Nightjar (Aves: Caprimulgiformes)

Abstract

Nightjars are important group of nocturnal bird species. From 98 species of nightjar in the world the true nightjar species belong to order Caprimulgiformes are 38. Jungle nightjars take shelter on the tree branches. The nightjar species found in the study area near Nanded, Maharashtra were Caprimulgus affinis (Savannah nightjar), Caprimulgus asiaticus (Indian nightjar) and Caprimulgus indicus (Jungle nightjar). Most of the nightjars are insectivorous prefers moths (Lepidoptera). These are one of the difficult birds to identify and notice due to camouflage of body coloration and plumage pattern with habitat and inactive, calm noiseless behavior during day time. Each species produce typical vocal churring calls. Nightjars are least studied birds in India especially for their breeding activity and habitat use. These three species found to lay 1-3 eggs on open land camouflaged with habitat. To remain camouflage is most preferred strategy adapted by all three nightjar species.