The standard-winged nightjar is one of the most extraordinary birds in all of Africa. The breeding male develops two elongated inner wing feathers that extend into long bare shafts tipped with broad oval vanes, producing streamers that can reach 38 centimetres — longer than the bird itself. In flight this male looks like nothing else on earth, trailing what appears to be two flying pennants from its wings.
In Uganda this remarkable species is present during the northern winter months when breeding males are in full display plumage. It is a must-see bird for visiting naturalists and is found in woodland savannah and forest edge habitats across the country. In 2027 spotting a standard-winged nightjar in full plumage is one of Uganda’s supreme wildlife experiences.
Identification
Outside the breeding season both sexes look like other nightjars — cryptically patterned brown and grey birds that are nearly invisible when roosting on the ground during the day. The intricate bark-like pattern provides superb camouflage. Eyes are large and dark, adapted for nocturnal vision. The bill is tiny but the gape is enormous for catching flying insects.
Breeding males develop the extraordinary standard feathers from the inner primaries. These feathers initially have a normal vane along part of their length, which is moulted away to leave a bare shaft with an oval vane at the tip. In display flight the male flies in circles around a female with the standards held upright, creating a literally unique spectacle in the bird world.
Habitat and Distribution in Uganda
The standard-winged nightjar is found in woodland savannah, bushland, and forest edges across Uganda. It is most common in the drier northern and western regions but occurs throughout the country in suitable habitat. The best areas for encountering this species include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and the open woodland areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The species is intra-African migrant — it breeds in the Sahel region and moves south during the northern winter. In Uganda it is present roughly from August to April. Breeding males in full standard plumage are most spectacular from about October to February. After this period the standards are shed and the males become much harder to identify.
Nocturnal Behaviour
Like all nightjars, the standard-winged nightjar is primarily nocturnal. During the day it roosts on the ground in leaf litter or on a bare branch, relying on its camouflage to avoid detection. At dusk it becomes active, hawking flying insects with its enormous gape. The churring calls of nightjars are a characteristic sound of African savannah nights.
Night game drives in Uganda’s national parks provide the best opportunities to see nightjars. The eyes reflect strongly in torchlight — a pair of orange-red glowing spots on the track ahead is often a nightjar sitting on a road. Standard-winged nightjars are regularly encountered on spotlight drives in Murchison Falls and other parks.
Display and Breeding
The display of the standard-winged nightjar is one of the most remarkable spectacles in African birdwatching. The male flies in elaborate circular patterns around and over a perched female, his standard feathers held perpendicular to the body and vibrating in the wind. The standards make a distinctive fluttering sound during display flight. Females assess multiple displaying males before choosing a mate.
After mating the female incubates two eggs alone in a simple scrape on the ground. The eggs are cryptically patterned to match the ground surface. Chicks hatch after about 17 days and are immediately capable of limited movement. They fledge at about 20 to 25 days.
Photography Tips
Photographing the standard-winged nightjar requires a night visit with a spotlight or torch. The eyes glow bright orange-red in torch light, making the birds easy to locate on roads and open ground. A camera with good high-ISO performance is essential for adequate exposure in low light. Flash photography illuminates the extraordinary standard feathers of displaying males — try to capture both the bird and the trailing pennants in a single frame.
During display flights the male makes repeated passes, giving multiple opportunities for shots. A fast shutter speed of at least 1/500s is needed to freeze the wing movement. Ask your night drive guide to locate displaying males early in the evening when energy levels are highest.
Include This on Your 2027 Uganda Safari
The gorilla trekking permit costs $800 in 2027. Night game drives in Uganda’s national parks offer the chance to see not just the standard-winged nightjar but also bushbabies, genets, civets, and other nocturnal wildlife. Contact us to plan a 2027 Uganda safari that includes both gorilla trekking and evening wildlife drives to maximise your wildlife encounters.
