Scientific Name: Caprimulgus macrurus
English Name: Large-tailed Nightjar
Observed in: Singapore Botanic Garden
Local Status: Very Common Resident
Observed Timing: Apr-24
やっとシンガポールでヨタカに出会えました。私の探鳥力では、この完璧なる擬態を見破ることは不可能と知りつつも、あわよくば地面に落ちていやしないかと淡い期待を抱き続けました。また、目撃情報はあれど、彼らは居所を転々とするため急行せねばならず、タイミングはなかなか合いません。
ところが、当個体は数日間に亘って同じ場所に留まり続けてくれたので、念願のLiferとなりました。日中のヨタカは全く動かないものだと思っていましたが、時折幼鳥が親鳥の胸元から出てきたり、親鳥が幼鳥の動きに合わせて左右にもぞもぞと身体を揺らしたりと、想像以上の撮り応えがありました。
Finally, I was able to photograph a Nightjar in Singapore. I had given up hope of finding it myself, as it requires enormous spotting skills to penetrate its perfect camouflage. Despite having received several sighting reports so far, it is incredibly difficult to locate due to its habit of constantly changing locations.
Fortunately, this individual stayed in the same place for several days. As shown in the photo, it was carrying a fledgling, which occasionally emerged from its parent’s chest.