🌙 Night Birds of Tanzania: A Guide to Owls & Nightjars

When most of the animal kingdom winds down for the night, Tanzania’s nocturnal birdlife comes alive. The country is home to a variety of owls and nightjars, which are the true night-time hunters. Their haunting calls and silent flight patterns are a fascinating aspect of Tanzania’s wildlife that often goes unnoticed by day-time safari-goers.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the nocturnal world of Tanzania’s night birds, focusing on the owls and nightjars that call this beautiful country home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, spotting these elusive creatures is a rare and rewarding experience.

1. Owls: The Silent Hunters

Owls are among the most captivating and mysterious birds of prey. Known for their excellent night vision and silent flight, these birds are master hunters in the dark. Tanzania’s diverse habitats host several owl species that are not only remarkable for their adaptations but also for their distinctive calls and behavior.

Common Owl Species in Tanzania:

A. Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus)

• Appearance: The Spotted Eagle-Owl has large, rounded ears and distinctive spots on its chest. It has a powerful build and a wide face.
• Habitat: Found across Tanzania, especially in woodlands and savannas.
• Behavior: It is often seen perched in trees during the night, scanning for prey, mainly small mammals, birds, and insects.
• Call: Its hoot is deep and repetitive, often heard echoing through the savannahs.

B. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

• Appearance: The Barn Owl has a unique heart-shaped facial disc and a pale body with a white underside and sparse feathers.
• Habitat: Prefers open habitats such as farmlands, grasslands, and savannas.
• Behavior: This owl is highly nocturnal, often hunting in low flight over fields in search of rodents.
• Call: A distinctive hissing screech that echoes through the night.

C. Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl (Bubo verrucosus)

• Appearance: Known for its large orange eyes and prominent ear tufts, this is one of the largest owls in Africa.
• Habitat: Found in woodlands and savannas, it prefers areas with rocky outcrops for nesting.
• Behavior: It’s a formidable predator of large insects, birds, and small mammals.
• Call: It emits a loud, gruff hoot that can be heard in the night.

Spotting Tips for Owls:

• Time: Best spotted during twilight hours or in the early hours of the night.
• Location: Look for them perched on high trees or hunting in open areas like grasslands and savannas.
• Sounds: Listen for their characteristic hoots or screeches, which are usually heard in the quiet of the night.

2. Nightjars: Masters of Camouflage

Nightjars are often mistaken for large moths due to their cryptic appearance and nocturnal habits. These birds have broad wings and a wide mouth, which helps them catch insects mid-flight. Tanzania’s nightjars are fascinating creatures that have adapted well to their night-time lifestyles.

Common Nightjar Species in Tanzania:

A. Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)

• Appearance: A medium-sized nightjar with a fiery orange patch on its throat, contrasting with its mottled brown plumage.
• Habitat: Found in open savannas and woodlands, often near waterholes or grasslands.
• Behavior: Known for its aerial insect hunting, this bird has a distinctive, erratic flight style at night.
• Call: The Fiery-necked Nightjar’s call is an unmistakable melodic, repetitive whistle, which is often heard during the evening.

B. Rufous-cheeked Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis)

• Appearance: This bird has a rusty-cheeked appearance with a mix of brown and gray feathers, providing perfect camouflage against the ground.
• Habitat: Prefers open woodlands, grasslands, and sparse forests.
• Behavior: Active during the night, the Rufous-cheeked Nightjar feeds on flying insects. It’s often seen resting on the ground or perched on low branches during the day.
• Call: A series of soft, sharp whistles, which are often repeated in the night.

C. White-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus climacurus)

• Appearance: A larger nightjar with white-tipped tail feathers and a mottled brown body.
• Habitat: Found in grasslands, savannas, and forest edges.
• Behavior: Known for its quiet, stealthy flight, the White-tailed Nightjar hunts insects during the night.
• Call: The call is a low, guttural churring sound, often heard as they perform aerial displays.

Spotting Tips for Nightjars:

• Time: Best spotted at dusk or late at night when they start hunting for insects.
• Location: Nightjars can often be found resting on the ground or perched in open areas. Listen for their calls to guide your search.
• Behavior: Look for their erratic flight patterns, which are characteristic of nightjars hunting insects.

3. Night Bird Watching Tips

A. Be Prepared for Darkness

Night birds are, naturally, most active when it’s dark. To spot them effectively, bring along red light headlamps or flashlights (which won’t disturb the birds), and make sure your camera gear is equipped for low-light conditions.

B. Listen to Calls

Night birds, especially owls and nightjars, are vocal during the night. Their calls are often the best clue to their location. Keep an ear out for distinctive hoots, whistles, or churring sounds.

C. Patience and Silence

Birdwatching at night requires patience. Move quietly through the bush and be prepared to sit in silence as you wait for a bird to reveal itself.

D. Join a Night Safari

In some areas of Tanzania, you can join night safaris specifically designed to spot nocturnal animals, including night birds. Guides can help you spot owls and nightjars and share insights about their behaviors.

Conclusion:

Tanzania’s nocturnal birds offer an enthralling experience for those who venture out after dark. Owls, with their silent flight and eerie calls, and nightjars, with their stealthy hunting techniques, add an extra layer of magic to a safari adventure.

Ready to go beyond the typical safari experience and explore the night? Grab your gear, head out under the African stars, and discover the incredible world of night birds in Tanzania!