Did you know that the standard wigged Nightjar is the most spectacular nocturnal bird in Uganda?
The standard wigged Nightjar is scientifically known as Macrodipteryx longipennis and belongs to the family of Caprimulgid which can be spotted in dry Savannah areas. They are commonly located in countries of Liberia, Garbia, Cameroon, DR Congo, Kenya and Uganda. They are medium-sized with long wings, short legs and bills. Predominantly nocturnal birds that nest on the ground.
The standard winged Nightjar is rarely spotted due to its nocturnal nature, but it’s normally heard from a distance. It comprises of brown plumage which makes it possible to camouflage during daytime when it is asleep. It’s easy to locate them during night time by using headlights from cars or tourist vehicles as you spot the red color in their eyes while seated along the tracks. They are easily recognized by the loud sound they make at dusk.
Standard winged Nightjar measures about 20cm to 23cm, the color of its plumage is variegated grey with brown dots. Any birder can clearly identify difference between the male and the female by the broad white band of the male. During the breeding season, the male grows ornamental feathers on both wings that grow taller than its body measuring 38cm longer and these normally drop off immediately after the period of breeding. These feathers are one way of attracting females for mating.
Males are in charge of construction of the nests, which look very beautiful. The males attract females by singing hence attracting their attention. Also, take in a display flight that will attract females and end up joining. Standard wigged Nightjars practice polygamous relationships whereby they take more than one mate per season of breeding. You also need to know that standard wigged Nightjars normally place their eggs on open grounds with dead grass, so they don’t make nests like others birds like weavers, turacos, hammerkops among others.
The females lay not more than 2 eggs and incubation process is done by both parents where during the day it is females to incubate and during night, both parents take charge. Hatching takes place after 21 days and both males and females take the responsibility of looking after the chicks, especially feeding.
They mostly feed on insects while in flight like moths and beetles. They are mostly spotted from September to April, because they are active in feeding at night. Research says that they are normally near water bodies and in Uganda, you can spot the standard wigged Nightjars in Murchison falls national park near top of the falls, making loud sounds.
Conservation status of standard winged Nightjars.
These species of standard winged Nightjars are not considered to be under any threat or endangered species. One can easily spot them in savannahs of Africa during sundown and at night. They normally keep in one place, on the ground when found at night. Therefore, as you take a Uganda birding safari, you have a chance to spot the standard nightjar in Murchison falls national park with much ease.
Murchison falls national park is the biggest national park in Uganda-the pearl of Africa with over 450 bird species, located in North-Western part of the country. The Nile River bisects the park into two, creating the southern sector which is made up of woodland savannah and the northern made of grassland savannah. Therefore, the park is home to savannah birds, forest birds and water birds. As you enjoy the sights and sounds of the mighty, thundering Murchison falls, do not forget to look out for a standard wigged Nightjar and so many other birds.
