Gambia and western Liberia through central Cameroon and northern Zaire to south-western Sudan, northern Uganda and possibly north-western Kenya; present in dry season in coastal strip from eastern Liberia to western Cameroon, and in south-eastern Uganda (Dec-Mar), but breeding not confirmed in these areas. Winters in Sahel zone north of breeding range.
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Standard-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus longipennis) [XC212331]
by Peter Boesman from Yamoussoukro, Lacs, Ivory Coast (song)
Standard-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus longipennis) [XC288635]
by Martin St-Michel from Bugungu Airstrip, Murchinson Falls National Park, Uganda (call, song)
Subspecies
Genus formerly considered monotypic, with Pennant-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus vexillarius) 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.