The Tawny-collared Nightjar is a small, nocturnal bird found in Central and South America. It belongs to the Caprimulgidae family, which includes the nightjars and nighthawks. It is a highly distinctive bird species with a unique pattern of markings that make it easily recognizable.
The Tawny-collared Nightjar bird has dark brown upperparts with buff and black markings. It has a conspicuous buff-colored collar around its neck, which contrasts sharply with its dark throat. The species has a short, straight, and slender bill and large, dark eyes that give it excellent night vision. The bird's wingspan can be up to 17 inches wide, which makes it one of the larger nightjars.
The Tawny-collared Nightjar is a solitary bird that is most active during the night, making it a challenging bird to spot during the day. It roosts on the ground near trees and bushes, relying on its cryptic plumage to blend into the surroundings.
The bird feeds primarily on insects, including moths, beetles, and grasshoppers. It hunts its prey by flying low over the ground, using its wide mouth to scoop up insects as it flies.
The Tawny-collared Nightjar's breeding season lasts from April to September, during which they lay 1 to 2 eggs on the ground. The parents will take turns incubating the eggs that take approximately 18 days to hatch. The chicks are covered in down and can usually fly after just three weeks.
Overall, the Tawny-collared Nightjar is a fascinating bird species that is essential in controlling insect populations throughout its range. Although they are not typically kept as pets, bird watching enthusiasts and bird watchers can enjoy observing them in their natural habitat.