Rufous-Cheeked Nightjar

Ethical Viewing Guidelines

• Maintain a minimum distance of 20–30 metres during the day when birds are roosting cryptically on the ground or in low vegetation, and increase this to at least 50 metres if observing at active nest sites.
• Across its range in sub-Saharan Africa, it is protected under national wildlife legislation in countries including South Africa (National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act), Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, so always secure any required permits before intentional close approach or photography.
• Use passive observation methods such as listening for the distinctive churring call at dusk rather than using playback or artificial light, as torch or spotlight use near roosting or nesting birds can cause flushing, nest abandonment, and disruption to nocturnal foraging behaviour.