Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is 30 cm in size. The basic color of its plumage is grayish-brown with buffy underparts lined with numerous black bars. During the day, the bird sits motionless among dead leaves. It is active throughout the night.
Nightjar’s bill can enlarge into a massive scoop to hold insects in flight. The bill has a special joint half way along the length on either side, which allows the tip of the beak to drop even lower. There is a line of bristle-like feathers fringing the beak. Long pointed wings and tails make the bird acrobatic and silent fliers.
The bird breeds from March to June. It nests in the open, usually in a shaded area, under a tree or bush. The female lays one to two elliptical-shaped eggs. Diet consists of insects such as moths, large beetles and mosquitoes.
Large-tailed Nightjars have a monotonous repetitious call, which sounds like knocking on wood.
