Nechisar Nightjar

It was first discovered in 1990 when researchers discovered a decomposing specimen in the Nechisar plains.

The Nechisar Nightjar is classified as Vulnerable (VU), considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

The Nechisar Nightjar (Caprimulgus solala) is a species of nightjar in the Caprimulgidae family. It is endemic to Ethiopia. It was first discovered in 1990 when researchers discovered a decomposing specimen in the Nechisar plains. After bringing back a single wing from the specimen to the Natural History Museum in London, it was determined to be a newly discovered species. Its specific name, solala, means "only a wing". More

The wing of the Nechisar nightjar, found on the Nechisar Plains of Ethiopia 20 years ago. The wing of the Nechisar nightjar. Courtesy Roger Safford Courtesy Roger Safford The wing of the Nechisar nightjar, found on the Nechisar Plains of Ethiopia 20 years ago. The hunting party. Courtesy Gerry NichollsEnlarge Courtesy Gerry Nicholls Birdwatchers from left: Vernon "Winky" Head, Gerry Nicholls, Dennis "Fruitcake" Weir and Ian Sinclair in Ethiopia. The hunting party. More

Nechisar Nightjar, which was flying in the beam of a spotlight through evening skies in a remote and treacherous volcanic area of southern Ethiopia, it was passion rewarded in a way that only die-hard birders can appreciate. Continues Below ↓ "It was the greatest birding experience of my life," says Vernon Head, one of four members of the expedition that recently returned from their historic quest. More

of Nechisar Nightjar means "single-winged" . . . Doubts have been cast on the validity of this taxon, as can be expected when a species is described from not even half a bird. Forero & Tella (Sexual dimorphism, plumage variability and species determination in nightjars: the need for further examination of the Nechisar Nightjar Caprimulgus solala, Ibis 1997: 407-409) provide illustrations of high variability of characters within a single species (C. More

of Nechisar Nightjar I have copied a posting from Ian Sinclair below. Dave Allen -Original Message- From: (email address filtered) On Behalf Of Vanga Tours Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 7:11 AM To: (email address filtered) Subject: Nechisar Nightjar Hi the Net, Some exciting news. More