Central, north-eastern and eastern Angola, southern Zaire and south-western Tanzania south to north-eastern Botswana, north-eastern Namibia (Caprivi Strip) and extreme north-eastern South Africa. Winters from south-eastern Nigeria to Uganda.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Pennant-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus vexillarius) [XC689095]
by Peter Boesman from Kruger Park (near Ha-Lambani), Far North, Limpopo, South Africa (flight call)
Pennant-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus vexillarius) [XC682096]
by Dries Van de Loock from Mutinondo Wilderness area, Northern Province, Zambia (song)
Subspecies
Genus formerly considered monotypic, with Standard-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus longipennis) separated from present species in genus Semeiophorus. However, despite the evident differences in morphology, the two species show notable similarities in vocalizations, breeding strategy, and some roosting and feeding habits, as well as a number of morphological affinities, and so are probably best considered congeneric. Specific name has at times been incorrectly given as vexillaria, but vexillarius originally described as masculine noun in apposition to masculine genus name. Validity of type locality is questionable, although vagrants have been recorded in several parts of western Africa.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet