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Indian Nightjar
Caprimulgus asiaticus
22.3039, 70.8022
Field Notes
Description:
This is one of the best camouflage I've seen in birds so far!Spotted this Nightjar in semi arid habitat,resting on ground.
They are most active, and mostly feed, near dawn and dusk.The call is distinctive and has been likened to a stone skipped on a frozen lake (due to which it was also called the "ice-bird" in colonial India) or a ping-pong ball bouncing rapidly and coming to rest.The calls are heard at night.No nest is made; the two beautifully marbled creamy pink eggs are placed upon the bare ground during February to September; the brooding bird, sitting closely, is well camouflaged. Eggs may be moved short distances.The newly hatched chick is covered in down with brown above and light rufous below. The eye is open on hatching and the chick can sit upright and make a weak sound.
Habitat:
The species is found in open woodland, scrub, and cultivation. It usually sits on the ground or low trees and is not found on high perches.
The species is found from northwestern India and adjoining parts of Pakistan but not found in the desert region. It is found south of the Himalayas in the low elevations east to Bangladesh, Myanmar and Vietnam. It is also found in Sri Lanka.
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