Prigogine's Nightjar

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iPrigogine's Nightjar
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Caprimulgiformes
Family: Caprimulgidae
Genus: Caprimulgus
Species: C. prigoginei
Binomial name
Caprimulgus prigoginei
Louette, 1990

The Prigogine's Nightjar or Itombwe Nightjar, Caprimulgus prigoginei, is a nightjar which breeds in tropical central Africa. It is known from only one specimen taken in Zaire in February 1952.

It is appears to be a forest species, but nothing is known of its habits or breeding, although it is likely to nest on bare ground like its relatives. It is assumed to be a nocturnal insectivore like other nightjars.

Prigogine's Nightjar is a small nightjar at 19 cm, short tailed and large headed. The adult female is dark brown with heavy speckling. In flight it is again mainly brown, without the white wing marking found in many of its relatives. There are pale brown wing spots, and whitish tail feather tips. The male is unknown.

The male's song is unknown, but unidentified nightjar calls heard in the breeding area include a rapid churring, and a knocking sound.

[edit] References

  • BirdLife International (2004). Caprimulgus prigoginei. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is endangered