Previously placed with the pennant-winged nightjar (Caprimulgus vexillarius) in their own genus, Macrodipteryx, it is native to Africa and displays extreme sexual dimorphism.

[2] When roosting on the ground during the day, this medium-sized (20–23 centimetres (7.9–9.1 in) long) nightjar is mainly variegated grey, with a browner collar.

It has a shadowy form with easy, silent moth-like flight; this nightjar is relatively short-tailed, and lacks white in the wings or tail.

[5] Outside the breeding season, the female is distinguished from the male by its smaller size and similarity to the pennant-winged nightjar, notably the patch of white on the throat and dark barring on the belly.

[2] No nest is made; in each clutch, two elliptical, slightly glossy eggs are placed upon bare sandy soil.