• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species is known with certainty only from the type-specimen taken in French Guiana in 1917, and it is classified as Data Deficient. There have been several possible sightings since the original record, but searches for the species have so far proved unsuccessful. Nevertheless, potentially suitable habitat remains, and there is no reason why the species may not still be extant. Its taxonomic status has been questioned, but a re-examination of the type-specimen appears to confirm it as a valid species.

Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified; it is considered unlikely to be common.

Trend justification
The current population trend is unknown as the species is only known with certainty from the type specimen taken in 1917.

This species is known with certainty only from the type-specimen taken in 1917 at Saut Tamanoir on the Fleuve Mana, c. 10 km above the confluence of the Rivière Cockioco, French Guiana. Despite recent, quite intensive mist-netting for nightjars in French Guiana, the only subsequent records are of a possible female caught at Saül airstrip in 1982 and two nightjars, possibly of this species but more likely Blackish Nightjar Nyctipolus nigrescens (J. Ingels and N. Cleere in litt. 2012) near to the same village in October-November 1999 (Ingels and Pelletier 2001, Cleere and Ingels 2004). Unusual nightjars have been seen in small forest clearings at the same site for several years since then, although some are likely to relate to sightings of N. nigrescens (Cleere and Ingels 2004). These sightings are no longer thought to refer to this species (Costa et al. 2015). Its taxonomic status has been questioned, but a re-examination of the type-specimen appears to confirm it as a valid species (Papazian 2020).

The locality has two basic habitat types: the many boulder-strewn rapids on the lower reaches of the river are bordered by closed-canopy forest and more open areas characterised by large boulders, sandy or stony river banks and savanna-like clearings. It has been speculated that the species prefers forest clearings as opposed to the rocky substrate favoured by C. nigrescens; now thought to inhabit interior of tall terra firme forest rather than clearings, open areas and riverside vegetation (Costa et al. 2015). Nothing is known of its basic biology and ecological requirements (Papazian 2020).

The threats to this species are unknown.

Conservation Actions Underway
Several unsuccessful searches have been made at the type locality (although the forest had regrown and the site may no longer have been suitable) and elsewhere in French Guiana, including at the site of the possible sightings in 1999 (J. Ingels in litt. 2012).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Search for the species in the Saül area using mist-nets or by dazzling. Take sound recordings of nightjars at possible localities for the species (Tobias et al. 2006). If found, investigate its biology, ecology, habitat requirements and threats.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Capper, D., Cleere, N., Ingels, J., Sharpe, C.J. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Cayenne Nightjar Setopagis maculosa. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cayenne-nightjar-setopagis-maculosa on 22/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 22/12/2024.