Band-tailed Nighthawk

The band-tailed nighthawks is a small species, with a body length of 16.5 to 19 cm (6.5 to 7.5 in), and a wingspan of 12.9 to 14.1 cm (5.1 to 5.6 in). Adults weigh from 0.023 to 0.028 kg (0.051 to 0.062 lb). The female has a larger average weight and wingspan than the male. The bill is very wide but short, with a length of 0.9 to 0.97 cm (0.35 to 0.38 in), and is hooked at the tip. It has cryptically patterned brown plumage, used to blend in with tree bark and leaves. Its wings are long with pointed wingtips, and have no white markings. It has a black bill, dark brown irises, and pinkish-gray tarsus and feet. The tarsus lengths are generally short, from 1.18 to 1.24 cm (0.46 to 0.49 in). Unlike many nightjar species, band-tailed nighthawks lack elongated rictal bristles. It has white patches on either side of the throat, and a white band on the mid-tail, across its three outermost tail feathers. The tail itself is short, and somewhat forked, at 8.2 to 9.7 cm (3.2 to 3.8 in). It has very weak sexual dimorphism, with both sexes presenting similar plumage and colouring. The immature and juvenile phases are also similar to the mature adult, although are slightly more plain and paler.

The band-tailed nighthawk has a large range, although there are gaps in its distribution. It is located through much of the northern parts of South America, from east of the Andes to Venezuela and central Brazil. It is found from northern Venezuela and eastern Colombia, east to French Guiana and eastern Brazil. Its range then extends south to northern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay. It is also found in Peru, Ecuador, and Guyana. Its natural habitat is in subtropical and tropical areas located near water, along rivers, streams, marshes, and lakes. These habitats include lowland forests, savannahs, grasslands, and swamps. It is only reported in areas of elevation below 200 to 300m.

The band-tailed nighthawk is a nocturnal species, and is the most active during the late evening, early morning, and at night. During the day, it roosts near the ground in locations with dense thickets of bushes and trees. The ecology and behaviour of this nighthawk is not well known, and there have been few dedicated studies

Breeding. Seasonal changes in the vocal activity of the band-tailed nighthawk has been used to determine the timing of its breeding season. The breeding season begins between July and August, when the maximum singing activity occurs, and the dry season ends. The nesting period occurs between September and October, when the wet season begins and there is a high amount of food availability. There is also less vocal activity measured during this nesting period. The nest is a shallow hole on the ground, usually in open areas with little coverage, such as gravel beaches or forest floors. The nest is lined with leaves and other vegetation. The eggs are cream or white, with small dark blotches.

Feeding. The band-tailed nighthawk is an insectivore that feeds primarily on aerial arthropods, using a feeding method known as hawking. Its diet includes beetles, ants, true bugs, and flying termites, amongst other arthropods. It forages in continuous flight, with rapid, shallow wingbeats and gliding to keep it aloft. …