### Identification The Square-tailed Nightjar is a master of mimicry, its plumage a complex tapestry of lichen-grey, cinnamon, and charcoal that renders it nearly invisible against leaf litter. To distinguish it from the similar Fiery-necked Nightjar, look for the absence of a bright rufous "collar" and, most crucially, the square-ended tail. In flight, the male reveals bold white patches on the four outer primary feathers and distinct white corners on the tail; in females, these flashes are a muted, sandy buff. Its silhouette is compact, with a large, flattened head and deceptively long wings.
### Habitat & Range Common across Sub-Saharan Africa, this species thrives in lowland savannas, riverine forests, and scrubby woodlands. It has a particular affinity for "edge" habitats—where dense thickets meet sandy tracks or open burnt grasslands—providing the perfect combination of daytime cover and nighttime hunting grounds.
### Behaviour Observed mostly at dusk, this nightjar is famous for its mechanical, sustained "churring" song that can last for several minutes. On night drives, you’ll likely spot their brilliant red-orange eyeshine reflecting from dirt tracks. They are solitary birds, though several may congregate in a prime feeding area. Their flight is buoyant and erratic, reminiscent of a giant moth.
### Diet As a specialized aerial insectivore, it "hawks" for prey under the cover of darkness. Using its massive, cavernous gape—fringed with sensitive rictal bristles that act like a funnel—it vacuums up beetles, moths, and winged termites mid-air.
### Fascinating Fact The Square-tailed Nightjar’s song features a remarkable "gear shift." During its long, rattling trill, the bird will suddenly alter the frequency and tempo, sounding exactly like a small mechanical engine shifting into a higher RPM!