What to Know about the Pennant-winged Nightjar in Uganda?

The Pennant-Winged Nightjar in Uganda is one of the African birds of Uganda seen during Uganda birding safaris and tours.

Found in Murchison Falls National Park, this fascinating species is an intra-African migrant known for its striking sexual dimorphism during the breeding season, males grow long pennant-like wing feathers that make them unmistakable in flight.

Birdwatchers on Uganda birdwatching tours and birding safaris in Uganda often consider this a special sighting, adding magic and rarity to Africa birding safaris in Uganda

How Does the Pennant-winged Nightjar in Uganda Look Like?

The male of the species is characteristic in having a broad white band over the otherwise black primaries. In addition, the males acquire a striking 2nd primary feather during the breeding season.

These pennant feathers grow to greater lengths in successive years, up to twice the body length. They are dropped or broken off quickly upon completion of breeding.

With the distal (9th) and proximal (1st – 3rd) primaries being longest, the wings of male birds are distinctly angular.

How Does the Pennant-winged Nightjar in Uganda Feed?

Foraging birds emerge in the late afternoon or directly after sunset for crepuscular feeding and are once again active before sunrise.

Their diet includes a variety of insects although scarab beetles are favored. They drink while flying slowly over a water surface.

How Does the Pennant-winged Nightjar in Uganda Breed?

Breeding takes place from spring to early summer while south of the equator. Males have separate display territories and attract passing females with an insect-like song.

Males furthermore engage in display flights, low through woodland or at great height, wherein they may be joined by receptive females.

Egg-laying coincides with the full moon. By mid-summer some birds start returning to the northern hemisphere.