Gray Nightjar - Photograph by David Behrens

Grey Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus), also called Jungle Nightjar, is a scarce resident in Haryana. This bird is found in wooded areas.   Local Names: Dabchiri, Chhappa, Chippak   Order: STRIGIFORMES   Family: Caprimulgidae   Size: 32 cm

Identification: Slightly smaller in size than a pigeon, brownish buff plumage with black streaks and spots. Tarsus feathered. The male has four outer pair of tail feathers with white spots, the same are absent in female. Crepuscular and nocturnal.

Call: chuckoo chuckoo chuckoo repeated in about 5 minutes intervals throughout the night.

Food: Mainly winged insects, caught in flight. Feeding in the evening and night.