Systematics

Lurocalis rufiventris is monotypic.

Described as Lurocalis rufiventris Taczanowski 1884; type locality Tambillo [Cajamarca], Peru

Although described as a species, rufiventris long was classified as a subspecies of Lurocalis semitorquatus (Short-tailed Nighthawk), but now is recognized as a distinct species, based on differences in vocalizations and elevational distribution (Parker et al. 1991, Cleere 1998).

Phylogenetic analyis of DNA sequence data (from both mitochondrial and nuclear genes) identifies three clades among New World caprimulgids: a nighthawk clade (Chordeiles, including Podager); a nightjar clade (Siphonorhis, Phalaenoptilus, Nyctiphrynus, and Anstrotomus); and a clade composed both of nighthawks and of nightjars (Han et al. 2010). Lurocalis nighthawks are a member of the nighthawk + nightjars clade; other members of this clade are the nighthawk genus Nyctiprogne, and the nightjar genera Nyctipolus, Systellura, Nyctidromus, Eleothreptus, Uropsalis, Setopagis, Hydropsalis, and, presumably, Macropsalis (Han et al. 2010).