The Lyre-tailed Nightjar is a rare bird that belongs to the Caprimulgidae family. It is found in the African continent, mainly inhabiting the tropical forests of Central and West Africa. The bird's name is derived from its long, distinctive tail, which resembles the ancient Greek musical instrument called a lyre.
The Lyre-tailed Nightjar has a unique appearance with a blend of gray, black, dark brown, and white colors in its plumage. The male Nightjar is recognizable by its long tail feathers, which can be up to twice its body length. These tail feathers are used for attracting mates and creating courtship rituals. The females, on the other hand, have much shorter tails. The bird's size is relatively small, reaching up to 20-23 cm in length.
This species is nocturnal, which means that it's active during the night-time. The bird is known for its exceptional flying abilities, being able to catch its prey on the wing. The bird feeds on a diet of insects, such as moths, beetles, and grasshoppers. Its unique hunting style uses its large eyes, wide mouth, and quick reactive skills to capture flying insects in mid-flight.
Lyre-tailed Nightjars are not often seen by humans, largely due to their elusive nature and preference for habitats difficult to access deep in the forest. They usually roost during the day, well-camouflaged against tree trunks and branches, only becoming active once night falls.
Unfortunately, the Lyre-tailed Nightjar is currently listed as “near threatened” due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and fragmentation. This bird's survival is threatened by the destruction of forests in Africa. Many conservation efforts are underway to preserve the bird, its habitat, and other threatened species in the same ecosystem.
Overall, the Lyre-tailed Nightjar is a unique and elusive bird, with magnificent traits that make it both special and remarkable. Saving this bird species is an essential part of conserving Africa's biodiversity, ensuring that all future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate it.