Least Concern

Medium-sized nightjar, about 22–25 cm in length. Plumage is mottled brown, gray, and buff, providing superb camouflage against forest floor or bark. It has a short bill, long wings, and a wide gape for catching insects in flight.

Resident species across much of the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka.

Non-migratory, though some local movements may occur depending on weather and insect availability.

Mainly from February to June, varying regionally with the onset of the dry season.

Lays eggs directly on the ground, often in open forest patches or rocky clearings without a nest structure. Usually 1–2 eggs are laid, well camouflaged among leaf litter.

Found in dry deciduous forests, scrublands, rocky hillsides, and open woodland, often near clearings or roads where it can hunt insects at dusk.

Feeds mainly on nocturnal insects, such as moths, beetles, and flying termites, which it catches in mid-air during crepuscular and night flights.