Fiery-necked nightjar

The fiery-necked nightjar is a captivating bird species native to Africa, primarily found south of the equator. It is renowned for its distinctive call resembling "good-lord-deliver-us." This bird is a member of the Caprimulgidae family and shares a close relationship with the black-shouldered nightjar. These two species, along with the Montane and Ruwenzori nightjars, form a species complex.

The fiery-necked nightjar has a broad habitat range. It can be observed from coastal Kenya to Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

In terms of appearance, this bird is striking. It features colorful plumage adorned with distinct patterns. The crown is marked by dark stripes, the ear coverts exhibit a rich chestnut brown, and its neck is highlighted with tawny hues. Additionally, there are white markings on various parts of its body, including the wings and tail feathers.

Several subspecies of the fiery-necked nightjar are recognized:

- Pectoralis: Found in southern South Africa

- Fervidus: Inhabits southern African woodlands

- Shelleyi: Found in central African woodlands

- Crepusculans: Lives in the eastern lowlands and lowveld

- Nigriscapularis: Known as the northern race or considered a full species