Band-tailed Nighthawk

Setopagis heterura

The Band-tailed Nighthawk is a medium-sized nocturnal bird found in Central and South America. It has a distinctive band across its tail and a mottled brown and gray plumage that provides excellent camouflage during the day. This species is known for its aerial foraging behavior, capturing insects on the wing with its wide gape and long, slender wings. Band-tailed Nighthawks are often observed near open areas such as savannas, grasslands, and forest edges. They are primarily insectivorous and play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. Although not currently considered threatened, habitat loss and pesticide use pose potential threats to their populations.

Habitat: Open areas such as savannas, grasslands, and forest edges