Medium-sized, typical nightjar, with a vague rufous collar. Both sexes have pale marks in the outer wings and at the tail corner that are white in males and buff in females. This is a migratory species that is found in a variety of open habitats on migration and during the non-breeding season. Breeds in arid savanna and scrub. Song is a long, dry, fast trill. Most similar to Fiery-necked Nightjar, but paler, with a less bright and distinct rufous collar. Male has more white in the wing and less white in the tail than Fiery-necked Nightjar. Female has smaller buff tail corners than Fiery-necked Nightjar.