Band-tailed nighthawk | |
---|---|
Nyctiprogne leucopyga | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Clade: | Strisores |
Order: | Caprimulgiformes |
Family: | Caprimulgidae |
Genus: | Nyctiprogne |
Species: | N. leucopyga
|
Binomial name | |
Nyctiprogne leucopyga (Spix, 1825)
| |
The band-tailed nighthawk (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is widely spread throughout northern and central South America.[2][3] There are currently 5 subspecies.[4] They are most vocal during the night time, indicating that they are nocturnal birds.[5] They have an insectivorous diet, and feed on flying insects. Band-tailed nighthawks have an interesting reproductive strategy. Instead of building traditional nests, they lay their eggs directly on the ground, typically in concealed locations within their forested habitats. This adaptation may help reduce the chances of nest predation.