Nesting habitat characteristics of Jungle Nightjar in central Okayama Prefecture

Abstract

During a study of the nesting habitats of the Jungle Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus in central Okayama Prefecture, Japan, a total of 119 potential territories were surveyed in 2015–2020. Sixteen nests were confirmed, five with nest traces (neither parents nor chicks were seen), five with eggs but no chicks, and six with eggs and then chicks. Nesting habitat preferences included open areas with dry and sparsely bushed ground, near ridges covered with Japanese Red Pine forest and secondary coniferous plantations. Although usually found on hillsides, nest sites were typically on relatively flat ground compared with the immediate surroundings.