This rather long-tailed nightjar is found in open grassy or shrubby habitats from Costa Rica across much of northern South America. Both sexes show a distinctive buffy nape. Males have extensive white in the tail, especially visible in flight. Strictly nocturnal; single individuals are most often seen sitting on the ground at night, sallying up to catch flying insects. Listen for the song, which begins with a sharp “pik” note, followed by a longer whistled “seeeee,” ascending and then descending.