Overview
As dusk settles, a rhythmic churring may begin from somewhere within the woodland. The square-tailed nightjar is a cryptically patterned nocturnal bird found in wooded savannah, scrub and open woodland across parts of Tanzania.
During daylight, it rests motionless on bare ground, leaf litter or a low branch, where its mottled brown, grey and black plumage blends closely with the surroundings. Once darkness falls, it takes to the air to hunt moths, beetles and other flying insects.
The species is often heard long before it is seen. Its prolonged song alternates between faster and slower bursts, providing one of the most useful ways to distinguish it from similar nightjars.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a medium-sized nightjar with a broad, flattened head, large dark eyes, long pointed wings and a relatively even-ended tail. The plumage is intricately mottled with brown, grey, buff and black, making a resting bird extraordinarily difficult to detect.
Despite its name, the tail is not perfectly square. The shape is most useful when compared with the slender-tailed nightjar, whose central tail feathers project more noticeably beyond the others.
They normally rest on the ground during the day and lay their eggs directly on bare soil or leaf litter rather than constructing a conventional nest. Their plumage provides the principal protection for both the adult and its eggs.
Interesting facts
Its song changes speed repeatedly. The prolonged churring alternates between faster and slower passages, helping distinguish it from several similar nightjars.
Its tail is only approximately square-ended. The name describes its overall shape rather than a perfectly straight edge.
It relies on camouflage throughout the day. A resting bird may remain completely still until an approaching animal comes extremely close.