One of the most enchanting yet elusive birds of the American tropics — a quiet master of camouflage and sound. Found across Central and South America, from Costa Rica and Panama down to Argentina and Brazil, this species thrives in warm forests, dry scrublands, and open woodlands. True to its name, its plumage glows with rich rufous (reddish-brown) tones, beautifully patterned with darker streaks and spots that blend seamlessly with fallen leaves and bark. It’s a medium-sized nightjar, and features a buff-colored neck collar and a subtle white band under the throat — like a scarf for its twilight adventures.
By day, the rufous nightjar is almost impossible to spot. It rests motionless on the ground or low branches, perfectly blending into its surroundings. Come dusk, it springs to life, silently swooping through the air to catch moths, beetles, and other flying insects. Its hunting style, called “sallying,” involves launching from a perch to grab prey midair with its wide, gaping mouth — an efficient design nature perfected for nocturnal bug-catching. Its large eyes and bristle-framed beak make it a superb night hunter, navigating the dark with stealth and precision.
But what really defines this bird is its hauntingly beautiful call. At night, the rufous nightjar’s voice carries across the forest in soft, rhythmic “chuk-whi-ri-oh” phrases — mysterious, soothing, and unmistakably wild. These nocturnal serenades serve both to attract mates and to mark territory. In local folklore, the sound has long been linked to omens and romance, but to scientists, it’s simply another example of how complex and melodious the nightjar family can be. Unlike most birds, the rufous nightjar doesn’t build a nest — it simply lays one or two eggs directly on the leaf litter, trusting its camouflage to keep them safe.
Distribution
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
French Guiana
Guyana
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Lucia
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
