5 Nightjars of Vietnam

Nightjars of Vietnam – Caprimulgidae

With 5 species of Nightjars of Vietnam, occurring over the country, all species hard to see, the striking Great Eared-Nightjar and Savanna Nightjar the more understated. Their range throughout Vietnam but their ability to camouflage makes them invisible on the forest floor.

Overview of Nightjars families

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal or crepuscular birds in the family Caprimulgidae /ˌkæprɪˈmʌldʒɪdiː/ and order Caprimulgiformes, characterized by long wings, short legs, and very short bills. They are sometimes called goatsuckers, due to the ancient folk tale that they sucked the milk from goats (the Latin for goatsucker is Caprimulgus), or bug eaters, their primary source of food being insects. Some New World species are called nighthawks. The English word “nightjar” originally referred to the European nightjar.

Nightjars are found all around the world, with the exception of Antarctica and certain island groups such as Seychelles. They can be found in a variety of habitats, most commonly in the open country with some vegetation. They usually nest on the ground, with a habit of resting and roosting on roads.

The subfamilies of nightjars have similar characteristics, including small feet, of little use for walking, and long, pointed wings. Typical nightjars, though, have rictal bristles, longer bills, and softer plumage. The color of their plumage and their unusual perching habits help conceal them during the day.

Nightjars of Vietnam Highlight note

Great Eared-Nightjar Lyncornis macrotis

Status: Common resident

Best time to watch & Photo: Feb-Apr

Tour cover: Exclude Mekong Delta

Hotspot: Cat Tien, Tan Phu, Da Lat

Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka

Status: Common resident

Best time to watch & Photo: Feb-Apr

Tours: Throughout

Hotspot: Bach Ma, Da Lat, Kon Tum, SaPa

Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus

Status: Fairly Common resident (throughout)

Best time to watch & Photo: Feb-Apr

Tours: Throughout

Hotspot: Tram Chim, Can Gio, Cat Tien

Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus

Status: Fairly Common resident (throughout)

Best time to watch & Photo: Feb-Apr

Tours: Throughout

Hotspot: Cat Tien, Ma Da, Tan Phu, Can Gio

Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis

Status: Common resident in South Central Vietnam

Best time to watch & Photo: Feb-Apr

Tours: Central Highland

Hotspot: Di Linh, Dalat, Yok Don

All Vietnam Birds Families

Vietnam Nightjars Tours at WANEE

Across Vietnam, conservation efforts are expanding—from reforestation projects to wildlife rescue and habitat protection. At WANEE, we believe that the more we appreciate nature, the more we’ll want to protect it. That’s why our tours are designed to inspire a deeper love for wildlife and a stronger commitment to conservation. While trying harder every day to protect the balance of nature, our wildlife tours give tourists the chance to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty, understand how different habitats connect, and take action to protect them.

For nightjars enthusiasts, Vietnam is home to several species of nightjars, elusive nocturnal birds that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. To spot them, we offer wildlife tours heading to open woodlands, grasslands, and forest edges at dusk or dawn when they become active.

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