Ecology
Open woodland, scrub, and cultivation is the habitat of this nocturnal bird. It flies after sundown with an easy, silent fluttering flight, appearing a bit like an outsized moth at a casual glance. During the day, Jerdon's Nightjar lies silent upon the ground, concealed by its plumage; it is then difficult to detect, blending in with the soil.
Nocturnal insects, such as moths, are its food. Unlike the Indian Nightjar (C. asiaticus), this species rarely rests on roads during the night, preferring to alight on bushes. This makes it harder to spot, since it is not so readily seen in vehicle headlights. It however roosts on the ground although calling from the trees.
The breeding season is March to July in India and February to May in Sri Lanka. No nest is made; the two beautifully marbled eggs are placed upon the bare ground. The brooding bird, covering them closely with its camouflage plumage, is their best protection. The chicks can crawl away from the nest soon after hatching and hide among leaves when alarmed.
A widely found bird, it is not uncommon and not considered a threatened species by the IUCN.
Read more about this topic: Jerdon's Nightjar
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