About Nyctipolus nigrescens (Cabanis, 1849)
Taxonomy and size
The blackish nightjar, with the scientific name Nyctipolus nigrescens (Cabanis, 1849), measures 19.5 to 21.5 cm (7.7 to 8.5 in) in length and weighs 32 to 39 g (1.1 to 1.4 oz).
Upperparts coloration
Its upperparts are blackish brown, marked with tawny, grayish white, and cinnamon spots.
Tail characteristics
Its tail is dark brown, with indistinct lighter bars and mottling; males have a white tip on the tail.
Underparts coloration
The underparts down to the belly are dark brown with paler barring, while the belly and flanks are buffy with darker barring.
Throat marking
A small white patch is present on either side of the throat.
Wing marking
A small white band is visible on the wing when the bird is in flight.
Geographic distribution
The blackish nightjar is distributed east of the Andes in Peru, Ecuador, and southern Colombia, and extends across southern Colombia through southern Venezuela and the Guianas into northeastern and north-central Brazil.
Habitat
It inhabits lowland evergreen forest, and is mostly found on or near open rock outcroppings, or on sand and gravel bars alongside small rivers.
Elevational range
Its elevational range extends from sea level in Brazil, up to 900 m (3,000 ft) in Bolivia, 800 m (2,600 ft) in Colombia, 1,200 m (3,900 ft) in Ecuador, and 1,100 m (3,600 ft) in Venezuela.
