© Ian Davies
© Peter Trimble
© Ricardo Brandao

Tschudi's Nightjar Systellura decussata

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Fairly common but nocturnal bird of lowland desert with scattered low bushes and agricultural areas with hedges and brush. Sleeps during the day on the ground or on a low shady perch; when flushed flies with quick stiff wingbeats and short glides. Note the broad rounded wings and snappy flight style, unlike pointed wings and erratic flight of Lesser Nighthawk, which occurs in the same areas. At night hunts from ground and low perches. Like all nightjars, may be located at night by brilliant amber eyeshine reflected in light beams.

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