Birds
Band-winged Nightjar
Systellura longirostris
As dusk settles over high Andean grassland, a band-winged nightjar takes to the air, the pale band crossing each wing flashing briefly before it vanishes back into camouflaged stillness on the ground.
Overview
The band-winged nightjar, Systellura longirostris, is a Least Concern nightjar found across high Andean grassland and scrub from Colombia south through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Its tolerance for unusually high elevation, distinctive wing banding, and ground-based camouflage make it one of the more specialized nightjars found anywhere in South America.
A nightjar built for altitude
While many nightjars stick to lowland habitat, the band-winged nightjar thrives at elevations that would challenge most of its relatives, hunting insects across open Andean grassland in the cool air of dusk and early night.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable Andean grassland and scrub habitat throughout its extensive range.
Band-winged Nightjar: common questions
Why is it called the band-winged nightjar?
It shows a distinctive pale band crossing each wing, a feature visible in flight that gives the species its common name.
How high up does the band-winged nightjar live?
It tolerates significantly higher elevations than many other nightjar species, found well into Andean highlands across its range.
How does the band-winged nightjar avoid predators during the day?
It rests on bare ground or among rocks and scrub, relying on mottled, camouflaged plumage to stay hidden while roosting.
Where is the band-winged nightjar found?
It ranges across the length of the Andes, from Colombia south through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.