Kingdom Animalia Order Caprimulgiformes Genus Caprimulgus Higher classification Caprimulgus | Phylum Chordata Family Caprimulgidae Scientific name Caprimulgus prigoginei Rank Species | |
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Similar Bates's nightjar, Cayenne nightjar, Donaldson Smith's nightjar, Star‑spotted nightjar, Bonaparte's nightjar | ||
The Prigogine's nightjar or Itombwe nightjar (Caprimulgus prigoginei) is a nightjar which breeds in tropical central Africa. It is known from only one specimen taken in the Itombwe Mountains in Zaire in February 1952.
It appears to be a forest species, but nothing is known of its habits or breeding, although it is likely to nest on bare ground like its relatives. It is assumed to be a nocturnal insectivore like other nightjars.
Prigogine's nightjar is a small nightjar at 19 cm, short-tailed and large-headed. The adult female is dark brown with heavy speckling. In flight it is again mainly brown, without the white wing marking found in many of its relatives. There are pale brown wing spots, and whitish tail feather tips. The male is unknown.
The male's song is unknown, but unidentified nightjar calls heard in the breeding area include a rapid churring and a knocking sound.