St Lucia's Swamp Nightjars

Swamp nightjar in St Lucia.

The nightjars are an interesting family of nocturnal birds, specially adapted to hunt flying insects in low-light conditions. Their extraordinarily large gape- complimented on either side with stiff bristles- allows them to detect and capture insects in flight whilst their large light-sensitive eyes enable them to see in poor light conditions. Most nightjars are very vocal and a visit to the bush would not be complete without hearing the nocturnal calls of these charismatic birds. Some, such as the Fiery-necked nightjar, are widespread and conspicuous, often perching on roads at night time or on the dead branches of trees, whilst others are much more tricky…

One of the more localized and difficult nightjars to observe in South Africa is the Swamp nightjar which only occurs in the North-Eastern coastal grasslands of Kwazulu-Natal. They are probably much more restricted in range nowadays than they were historically because much of their favored habitat- grasslands adjoining swamps, vleis, pans and other waterbodies- has succumbed to agriculture. Luckily though, vast tracts of suitable habitat are still found within the 3300sq/km Isimangaliso Wetlands Park and this is undoubtably the best place to find them….

Swamp nightjars are difficult to find in the day time due to their habit of roosting within dense grass cover and the best one can hope for is to flush them and get a brief glimpse of them in flight. The best method of finding and seeing them well is therefore a night time excursion. At night they can be seen hawking insects over wetlands or can be located by their call or by searching for the glow of their reflective eyes by spotlight.

Night time searches for these birds around St lucia are a magical experience. Besides the obvious satisfaction of finding the elusive Swamp nightjar, the whole experience is a feast for the senses. Providing it’s not overcast or a full moon, the stars show off in their full splendour due to minimal light pollution. The flickering flashes of fireflies or distant lightning interrupt the darkness whilst a cacophony of frog calls resonate from the wetlands in the summer months. The distant cries of Greater bushbaby, eery whoop of a spotted hyaena, beautiful call of Fiery-necked nightjar and charming duet of African Wood-owls are also often heard.  Even the fresh smell of nature- grasses, trees, dust, flowers and hippo faeces- is always more vivid at night!

There is also the added bonus that one might encounter some of the area’s other nocturnal bird species at night, such as Fiery-necked nightjar, European nightjar (Summer), African wood-owl or Spotted eagle-owl. Nocturnal animals such as Greater bushbaby, Porcupine, Bushpig, Large-spotted genet, Honey badger and Water mongoose are also often encountered on nightjar excursions.  

It is definitely an experience not to be missed!

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