It is found in salt marshes[2] of Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Israel, Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

It is a nocturnal species, known for its large eyes and beak, which help it hunt at night.

The bird resembles the Moorish nightjar, but is smaller, has a shorter tail and blunt wings compared to the Moorish nightjar.

Another characteristic feature is a red-brown band over the neck.

[4] It is hypothesized to prefer to nest near agricultural areas for greater access to food.