Pennant winged nightjar

Introduction: Pennant-winged nightjars (Macrodipteryx vexillarius) favour broad-leafed woodland with leaf litter, a favoured location for nesting and roosting. They can also be observed in sandy, stony sites. Sitting on open ground including roads at night is a feature of this species.

Distribution: Small populations in northern Namibia such as Epupa Falls and the Caprivi.

Diet: Flying insects such as beetles and termites.

Description: Vexillarius is a Latin word for 'standard bearer', referring to the pennants or 'long-flowing flags' that grow year-by-year.

Breeding: Females lay 1 or 2 eggs between September and January in an unlined scrape in shallow leaf litter shaded and protected by a tall tree. Incubation is around 16 days.

Size: 27cm.

Weight: 80g.