The Andaman Nightjar is a feathered enigma, a creature shrouded in mystery and hidden in the shadows of the Andaman Islands. As its name suggests, this bird only emerges under the cover of darkness, when the moon is at its fullest and the stars twinkle above like diamond dust. Its plumage, a dusky shade of brown, blends perfectly with the murky forest floor, making it almost impossible to spot.
Like many creatures that live in the ocean, the white-bellied sea eagle is a symbol of power and resilience, able to withstand the fierce storms and relentless tides that batter its home. It is a creature that reminds us of the raw power of nature, and the importance of preserving the delicate balance that exists between all living things.
| Serial Number | Characteristic | Description |
| 1 | Common name | Andaman Nightjar |
| 2 | Scientific Name | Caprimulgus andamanicus |
| 3 | Colour | Dark brown, light brown, black |
| 4 | Average length in cms | 23 – 27 cm |
| 5 | Average Height in cms | 10 – 15 cm |
| 6 | Type of bird | Forest |
| 7 | Found in India in states | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 8 | Habitat | Forests, open areas, grasslands |
| 9 | Status | Least Concern |
Features
The Andaman Nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus) is a fascinating bird species that is found exclusively on the Andaman Islands, a cluster of islands in the Indian Ocean. The Andaman Nightjar is a small bird with a compact and stocky body, a rounded head, and relatively short, broad bill. The wings of the Andaman Nightjar are long and pointed, allowing for quick and agile flight in low-light conditions, while its short, squared tail has white spots on the tips of its feathers. The Andaman Nightjar’s plumage is predominantly brownish-grey, with intricate black and white patterns on its wings and back. Despite being a nocturnal bird, the Andaman Nightjar is quite distinctive in appearance, making it easy to identify. It is also relatively small, measuring around 24-26 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 55-60 centimeters.
Habitat and Food
The Andaman Nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus) is a nocturnal bird species that is endemic to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, India. This bird inhabits the dense evergreen forests and plantations of the Andaman Islands. It can be found in areas with a mix of trees, bamboo thickets, and undergrowth.
The Andaman Nightjar is an insectivore, which means that it feeds exclusively on insects. It hunts its prey while in flight, capturing them with its wide beak and large mouth opening. Some of its favorite prey include moths, beetles, and other flying insects.
The Andaman Nightjar is a secretive bird and can be difficult to spot due to its nocturnal habits and camouflaged plumage. Its cryptic coloration and behavior help it blend in with the surrounding foliage, making it a challenge to observe in the wild. Despite its elusive nature, the Andaman Nightjar is an important part of the ecosystem of the Andaman Islands and plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations.
Nesting and Nurturing
The nesting habits of the Andaman Nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus) are relatively unknown due to the limited research conducted on this species. However, it is known that they lay a clutch of 1-2 eggs directly on the ground, typically on leaf litter or other debris, and the eggs are usually white with small brown speckles. The size of the eggs is also unknown, but it is expected to be similar to other nightjar species.
The incubation period for the Andaman Nightjar’s eggs is also uncertain, but it is likely to be around 20-25 days, based on similar nightjar species. Once hatched, the chicks are precocial and able to move around and feed themselves shortly after hatching. There is limited information on the parental care behavior of Andaman Nightjar, but like other nightjar species, it is expected that the parents will provide minimal care for their young, such as protection from predators and warmth during cold nights.
Overall, more research is needed on the nesting habits and parental care of the Andaman Nightjar to better understand this species’ ecology and conservation needs.
IUCN Status
It has been classified as “Least Concern,” which means that the species is not currently considered to be threatened with extinction.
This status is given to species that have a relatively stable population and distribution, with no significant threats to their survival.
