Star-spotted Nightjar Caprimulgus stellatus Scientific name definitions

21–23 cm; male 54–64 g, female 50–69 g. Sexes similar. Slight colour variation noted with individuals ranging from greyish or vinaceous brown to paler, sandy brown. Upperparts and wing-coverts rather plain, generally dark greyish-brown, minutely speckled dark brown; crown and scapulars sparsely streaked and spotted dark brown, spots star-shaped; no nuchal collar; small white patch on either side of lower throat; ­underparts paler than upperparts, often brownish or buff barred brown. Both sexes have white spot on four outermost primaries and narrow white tips to two outermost tail feathers. Iris dark brown, bill blackish, legs and feet flesh brown. Differs from more variable C. inornatus by white on throat and narrower white tips to two outermost tail feathers in male. Immature similar to adult but upperparts plainer and often rather rufous.

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NW Somalia, Djibouti, C & S Ethiopia, SE Sudan and NW, N & C Kenya.