15 November 2015

Plain Nightjar in the Tanoumah area – Bird record by Khalifa Al Dhaheri

The below photographs were taken by Khalifa Al Dhaheri in the Tanoumah area of the Asir mountains at about 2100 metres above sea level in early June 2015. Initially I thought the birds were Montane Nightjars but on closer inspection changed my mind to Plain Nightjar. As a result I sent the photos to Nigel Cleere who wrote the main Nightjars book and he replied with the following “The photo appears to be of Plain Nightjar C.innornatus, although it does seem to be a particularly well marked individual. Many are much plainer on the upperparts, especially on the wing coverts.” Plain Nightjar has been seen much more frequently this year in Saudi Arabia from Abha north tot Taif. Phil Roberts and I heard Montane Nightjar calling one night in June 2015 in the area this bird was seen suggesting that both species occur in the area. I am grateful t both Khalifa for allowing me to see and use his photos on my website and to Nigel Cleere for helping clarify the identification.
Plain Nightjar
Plain Nightjar
Plain Nightjar
Plain Nightjar