Nubian nightjar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nubian nightjar |
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| Illustration by Henrik Grönvold of the subspecies jonesi | |
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| Genus: |
Caprimulgus
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| Species: |
nubicus
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The Nubian nightjar (Caprimulgus nubicus) is a special kind of bird. It belongs to the nightjar family. These birds are known for being active mostly at night. You can find the Nubian nightjar in many countries. These include Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Israel, Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. They often live in salty marsh areas.
About the Nubian Nightjar
The Nubian nightjar is a small bird. It is about 20 to 22 centimeters (8-9 inches) long. This bird is nocturnal. This means it is active mostly at night. It has big eyes and a special beak. These features help it catch food in the dark.
What Does It Look Like?
This nightjar looks a bit like the Moorish nightjar. But the Nubian nightjar is smaller. It also has a shorter tail and wings that are not as pointed. A cool thing about it is a reddish-brown band on its neck. Its white wing spots are closer to the wing tips than on some other nightjars.
Where Does It Live?
The Nubian nightjar is the smallest nightjar in its part of the world. This area is called the Western Palearctic. It is quite common in the dry parts of eastern Africa. In the Middle East, it has been seen along the Rift Valley. This includes southern Palestine and the Red Sea coast.
In the past, these birds lived in places like the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Now, they mostly live in the Fifa Nature Reserve. This is because their natural homes have become smaller.
Nesting Habits
Like other nightjars, the Nubian nightjar builds its nests on the ground. Its nests are often found in small groups. There are usually 1 to 3 nests together. Scientists think these birds might like to nest near farms. This could give them easier access to food.
