Fun Nechisar Nightjar Facts For Kids
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The Nechisar nightjar (Caprimulgus solala), is a member of the Caprimulgidae family, genus Caprimulgus, and is endemic to the Nechisar plains of Ethiopia. These birds are poorly studied as there are no records of live or dead birds in captivity or in the wild.
The entirety of the studies on this bird is based on the one wing of roadkill that was found in the Nechisar plains.
Like other nightjar groups, the Nechisar nightjar too has a dark plumage which makes it difficult to see this bird in the daylight.
Little to no data has been obtained over the years through surveys and expeditions on this bird which has shrouded them in a mysterious cover which makes it difficult to specify the common information of the species.
Since this bird has a small habitat range, its population is estimated to be low in number which has resulted in them being a vulnerable species that might come close to the danger of extinction in the future if strict conservation efforts are not placed for its protection.
If you liked these true facts about Nechisar nightjar, then you'll surely like these facts about glossy ibis and green heron too!
Nechisar Nightjar Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a Nechisar nightjar?
The Nechisar nightjar (Caprimulgus solala) is a relatively new species of bird that was undiscovered until 1990 when a decomposing body of this bird was found and most information about the Nechisar nightjar appearance is based on the study of one single wing specimen.
As a result of this, the species is rather unknown and there is not much data to go around on the natural life or their current population count.
What class of animal does a Nechisar nightjar belong to?
Nechisar nightjar (Caprimulgus solala) has been found recently and is a bird species, and like most birds, belongs to the Aves class of animals. They belong to the Caprimulgidae family, genus Caprimulgus. Other than this basic information, not much data is available on this nightjar species which may help in learning more about the taxonomy of the species.
How many Nechisar nightjars are there in the world?
The current population size of the Nechisar nightjar has not been estimated in the natural habitat of Ethiopia and there is not much information available to determine an exact population count of these birds.
The population trend of this bird is also unknown due to the majority of its life history and other information being based on just the last specimen of a single Nechisar nightjar wing.
Where does a Nechisar nightjar live?
The Nechisar nightjar adaptations of their natural habitat and regions in which they are found in Ethiopia are unknown as there is insufficient information on these birds. There is neither video nor audio evidence that can help in figuring out the Nechisar nightjar habitat range.
The entire view of this species endemic to Ethiopia is based on one single wing specimen that was found in the Nechisar plains in South Ethiopia.
What is a Nechisar nightjar's habitat?
Only assumptions can be made in the search of this species' natural habitat as they are a newfound discovery in the family of the nightjar birds.
It is assumed that if search parties are organized to locate these birds, they can be found in the Nechisar plains of Ethiopia, where these birds are endemic.
There have been several instances of these birds being spotted in the Nechisar region, but with a handful of video evidence, it is tough to pinpoint the exact habitat range that could help in learning more about this species' life history.
Who do Nechisar nightjars live with?
It is almost impossible to state the behavior of these birds in their habitat regions in the plains of Nechisar as they are a poorly studied species of the nightjar family. As a result of this, it can be said that this nightjar may or may not be a social or solitary bird.
There are many unanswered questions about this bird regarding its life history or the Nechisar nightjar migration pattern.
How long does a Nechisar nightjar live?
According to what little information is available on this species on the IUCN Red List, it can be stated that there is a generational gap of 5.6 years in between the adults and the chicks, so, based on this the average lifespan of the Nechisar nightjar species is five to six years in the wild.
There is no record of its lifespan in captivity as this species is difficult to search for in its small habitat area and not a single one has been raised or bred in captivity.
How do they reproduce?
No information is available to address how the Nechisar nightjar eggs look or the clutch size. As one of the most poorly studied species of the bird family, most of their breeding habits like nesting, mating, foraging, or the feeding process among males and females cannot be stated.
What is their conservation status?
Currently, the Nechisar nightjar (Caprimulgus solala) has been listed as a Vulnerable Species on the IUCN Red List.
This member of the Caprimulgidae genus has a restricted habitat range and has avoided any scientific efforts to study them. Field observations have failed to record any evidence on the species as a result of which Birdlife International has too listed them as a Vulnerable species.
Conservation efforts have been proposed to carry out surveys to learn more about this unknown member of the bird family.
In 2009, a group of 4 environmentalists, Vernon Head, Gerry Nicholls, Ian Sinclair, and Dennis Weir traveled to the Nechisar park to address the issue of these birds being tough to spot, they did, however, managed to spot one but could not catch the specimen.
This 2009 sighting has not been published so it is tough to state what the environmentalists managed to see.
Nechisar Nightjar Fun Facts
What do Nechisar nightjars look like?
Based on the one wing specimen it can be stated that Nechisar nightjar resembles the female Pennant-winged nightjar and the Nechisar nightjar feathers are dark-reddish brow with white-tipped tail feathers.
The wing is rounded and the primary wing which the Nechisar nightjar in-flight use is marked with cinnamon spots. Tawny bars can be found on the area of the webbed tip on the secondary coverts that grows weaker towards the outer wing.
White bands can be found on four primary wings with the middle of the folded wing being distinct that the outer primary wing.
We've been unable to source an image of Nechisar nightjar and have used an image of Madagascar nightjar instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Nechisar nightjar, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.comHow cute are they?
There is not enough data to address the cuteness quotient of this species.
How do they communicate?
The communication pattern of the species cannot be stated due to a lack of data.
How big is a Nechisar nightjar?
The estimated size of the species based on the thorough research of the one wing specimen of this species lists them at body size of 9.8 in (25 cm). The Nechisar nightjar wingspan is not known.
Compared to their closest relatives in the form of the swift family, the Nechisar nightjar is larger than the chimney swift that grows between 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm).
How fast can a Nechisar nightjar fly?
There are no reports of a Nechisar nightjar flying in and around their habitat area which means there is little data to select any evident data from.
How much does a Nechisar nightjar weigh?
As is the case with other information about these birds, the weight is another aspect that has not been recorded. There is not even an estimated weight count to select from.
What are the male and female names of the species?
Neither the Nechisar nightjar male nor the Nechisar nightjar female has any specific name assigned to it.
What would you call a baby Nechisar nightjar?
A Nechisar nightjar baby is called a chick.
What do they eat?
Information about the diet of this member of the bird family is unavailable which makes it a secretive bird species in the animal world.
Are they dangerous?
The behavior of this creature towards humans or other species of birds can be stated due to there being no recorded reports.
Would they make a good pet?
Much like other wild species of birds like the vulture and the hawk, the Nechisar nightjar too is a wild variety of the world of birds and is not suitable as a pet.
Another issue is that these birds have been listed as Vulnerable by both the IUCN Red List and Birdlife International, which puts them under strict protection and prohibits their introduction as an invasive species in other parts of the world.
Did you know...
The nightjar is a nocturnal bird that hunts at night.
The dark plumage and long wing specification of these birds help in camouflage.
If you are an avid birdwatcher then you will have a tough time these birds are tough to see because of the aforementioned dark plumage.
The nightjar family is preyed upon by the Ethiopian wolf and barn owls.
The habitat of the Nechisar nightjar has been estimated to be areas with a concentration of black lava soil. While the specific ecosystem importance of Nechisar nightjar is unknown, like other birds, they may help in the distribution of seeds of various trees.
Are Nechisar nightjars endangered?
The Nechisar nightjar rare as it may be is currently placed under the Vulnerable status. Conservation efforts that select a particular range of these birds and survey the area to keep a check on them.
How did Nechisar nightjars get their name?
The Nechisar nightjar name is based on the area of the Nechisar National Park where a corpse of this nightjar was observed. The scientific name of Caprimulgus solala comes from the translation of the word "solala" which means "only a wing".
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these night heron facts and ani bird facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable pheasant coloring pages.
The main image is by Jenny Th and the second image is by Frank Vassen.
We've been unable to source an image of Nechisar nightjar and have used an image of European nightjar instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Nechisar nightjar, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com
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Moumita DuttaBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
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Sonali RawatBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills
Sonali has a Bachelor's degree in English literature from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and is currently pursuing a Master's in English and Communication from Christ University. With considerable experience in writing about lifestyle topics, including travel and health, she has a passion for Japanese culture, especially fashion, and anime, and has written on the subject before. Sonali has event managed a creative-writing festival and coordinated a student magazine at her university. Her favorite authors are Toni Morrison and Anita Desai.
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