Short-tailed Nighthawk vs Band-winged Nightjar

The Short-tailed Nighthawk and Band-winged Nightjar can be distinguished by tail length and flight behavior. The Short-tailed Nighthawk has a notably shorter tail that does not extend beyond the wings, while the Band-winged Nightjar has a long, square tail. Both species exhibit cryptic plumage, but their flight patterns and vocalizations offer additional clues.

1. Tail Length: Short-tailed Nighthawk has a short tail not extending beyond wings; Band-winged Nightjar has a long, square tail. 2. Flight Behavior: Observe flight pattern; Band-winged Nightjar's erratic flight is distinctive. 3. Vocalization: Listen for the Band-winged Nightjar's loud, slurred whistle. 4. Plumage: Look for the rufous hindcollar on Band-winged Nightjar. 5. Habitat: Consider habitat; Short-tailed Nighthawk favors forests, Band-winged Nightjar prefers open areas.

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized nightjars.

The Short-tailed Nighthawk has a generally dark and uniform plumage with less contrast, while the Band-winged Nightjar shows a rufous hindcollar on the neck and more mottled gray and brown plumage.

The Short-tailed Nighthawk is often seen flying at dusk and dawn, while the Band-winged Nightjar is known for its erratic flight when flushed and typically lands back on the ground.

Both species prefer open areas but the Short-tailed Nighthawk is more often found in forested regions, whereas the Band-winged Nightjar is commonly seen in open fields and scrublands.

The Band-winged Nightjar has a distinctive loud, slurred, two-part whistle, whereas the Short-tailed Nighthawk's vocalizations are less well-documented.