Paraguay is home to some of South America’s rarest and most remarkable birds, inhabiting everything from forests and wetlands to grasslands, the Chaco and urban spaces. Yet some species are so elusive that even in the places where they survive, they may remain almost entirely unseen. In this new Birds of Paraguay series, The Asunción Times, with the support of the Club de Observadores de Aves del Paraguay (CON), invites readers to discover the country through its birdlife, exploring different species, their habitats, behaviours and role in Paraguay’s ecosystems. In Birds of Paraguay #3: Paraguay‘ Ghost of the Grasslands, the Yvyja’u Moroti.
The phantom of the Cerrado
On full moon nights, when darkness settles over the grasslands of the Cerrado, those fortunate enough might catch a glimpse of a white flash moving through the night. This is the Yvyja’u moroti, also known as the White-winged Nightjar (Eleothreptus candicans).
Here is a fact that should give us pause: this species is currently found in only a few isolated sites across northern Bolivia, central-southern Brazil and eastern Paraguay. In Paraguay, it inhabits the Mbaracayú Forest Biosphere Reserve in Canindeyú and Laguna Blanca in San Pedro.
Experts estimate the global population at only 600 to 1,700 mature individuals. Researchers have confirmed breeding sites in just three localities worldwide: two in Paraguay and one in Brazil. The fact that two of the only three known breeding grounds on Earth are in Paraguay is no small detail. It represents an enormous responsibility.
The White-winged Nightjar is endemic to the Cerrado, a unique biome that brings together grasslands, savannas and open forests while supporting extraordinary biodiversity.
Masters of camouflage
Nightjars are discreet birds and true masters of camouflage. As nocturnal species, they can practically disappear during the day. They remain completely motionless on the ground or perch horizontally on branches. Their plumage allows them to blend remarkably well with their surroundings. They can be only a few metres away and still remain unnoticed.
Their diet is simple but vital: nocturnal insects. By feeding on moths, beetles and other small invertebrates, they play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and helping to regulate insect populations.
A habitat at risk
The ethereal appearance of this species contrasts sharply with the fragility of the habitat on which it depends. The Cerrado is one of South America’s most threatened ecosystems. Agricultural expansion, fires and unplanned urbanisation have drastically reduced its native grasslands. Every hectare lost means less space for the Yvyja’u moroti to carry out its remarkable nocturnal flights.
Protecting its habitat means more than saving a rare bird. It means preserving an ecosystem that helps regulate the climate, store water and sustain hundreds of other species. The fate of the White-winged Nightjar is inseparably linked to the future of the Cerrado and its biodiversity.
Paraguay: A global stronghold for a rare bird
Paraguay is home to more than 700 bird species. Many are endemic to the region or maintain important populations within the country. The Yvyja’u moroti is a striking symbol of this natural wealth and, at the same time, a reminder of what could be lost if the ecosystems that sustain it are not protected.
Bringing greater attention to Paraguay’s birds and the ecosystems they depend on is an important part of their conservation. Events such as the South American Bird Fair, to be held at the Cultural Center of the Port of Asunción from 17 to 20 September 2026, provide an important opportunity to connect scientific knowledge, field experience and public interest.
Birdwatchers, researchers and newcomers alike will gather for talks, guided outings and educational activities. These will focus on remarkable species such as the Yvyja’u moroti and the habitats that sustain them. More information is available on the South American Bird Fair official website.
Now read earlier episode of our Birds of Paraguay series:
#1: Meet The Guira Cuckoo, Paraguay’s Scruffiest Bird That Just Won’t Shut Up About Itself.
#2: Meet The Ñandú, Largest Bird Of Paraguay’s Grasslands And Father Of The Year
