The Great Eared Nightjar, also known as the Large-tailed Nightjar, is a fascinating bird species found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia.
This nocturnal bird is known for its distinct appearance and unique vocalizations, making it a favorite among bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Appearance and Characteristics
The Great Eared Nightjar is a medium-sized bird that measures around 30 to 35 centimeters in length and weighs approximately 150 grams. The bird has a distinctive, mottled plumage that provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.
The upper parts of the bird’s body are predominantly brown, while the underparts are white, with black markings. The bird has large, expressive eyes that are perfect for spotting prey in the dark.

The most striking feature of the Great Eared Nightjar is its long tail, which is a distinguishing characteristic of this species.
The bird’s tail measures around 20 centimeters and is marked with white spots, giving it a unique appearance.

Habitat and Distribution

The Great Eared Nightjar is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia.
The bird is also found in some parts of China and Taiwan. The species prefers open habitats such as grasslands, scrublands, and forests with clearings.
Behavior and Vocalizations
The Great Eared Nightjar is a nocturnal bird that is active at night, hunting for insects in flight. During the day, the bird roosts on the ground, relying on its camouflage to remain hidden from predators. The bird’s unique vocalizations are an essential aspect of its behavior and help to distinguish it from other species. The male bird makes a distinctive, repetitive “chuck-chuck” sound during the breeding season, which is used to attract mates.

Conservation Status
The Great Eared Nightjar is not considered a threatened species, although its population is believed to be declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
The bird’s reliance on open habitats makes it particularly vulnerable to agricultural and urban development. In addition, the bird is hunted in some areas for food or as a cultural practice.