Lyre-tailed Nightjar
Lyre-tailed Nightjar
Uropsalis lyra
Caprimulgidae - Nightjars and Allies
Uropsalis lyra
Caprimulgidae - Nightjars and Allies
The Lyre-tailed Nightjar is a striking nocturnal bird of the Andes, found in Ecuador from about 1,500 to 3,500 m in montane forests, forest edges, and shrubby slopes. It is locally fairly common, often seen at dusk or dawn as males display their extraordinary tail streamers in aerial courtship flights. The species feeds on flying insects, captured in agile sallies, and roosts quietly during the day, blending into rocky or vegetated perches. Despite habitat pressures in some areas, it is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, owing to its broad range and stable population.