Pennant-winged Nightjar vs Square-tailed Nightjar

In short

The Pennant-winged Nightjar is best identified by its unique, elongated pennant-like primary feathers in males during the breeding season, a feature absent in the Square-tailed Nightjar. Both species share a similar nightjar structure but differ in tail shape and wing markings.

Identification tips

1. Look for the pennant-like feathers in male Pennant-winged Nightjars during the breeding season. 2. Note the tail shape: square in the Square-tailed Nightjar, versus more elongated in the Pennant-winged Nightjar. 3. Observe the habitat: more open areas for Pennant-winged, wooded edges for Square-tailed. 4. Listen for vocal differences, especially during dusk and dawn.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of nightjars, with no significant difference in overall body length.

Plumage

The Pennant-winged Nightjar has distinctive pennant-like primary feathers in breeding males, whereas the Square-tailed Nightjar has a more typical nightjar appearance with a square tail and lacks the elongated feathers. Both have cryptic brown and gray plumage, but the Square-tailed Nightjar may show a more uniform appearance.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical nightjar behavior, being nocturnal and often seen hawking for insects at dusk and dawn.

Habitat

The Pennant-winged Nightjar is often found in open woodlands and savannas, while the Square-tailed Nightjar prefers more wooded areas and forest edges.

Voice

Vocalizations differ, with the Pennant-winged Nightjar having a distinctive, repetitive call, whereas the Square-tailed Nightjar's call is less documented but generally softer and less distinctive.