European Nightjar

The European nightjar, also known as the common goatsucker, Eurasian nightjar, or simply nightjar, is a member of the nightjar family. This crepuscular and nocturnal bird is adorned with a complex pattern of grey and brown plumage, which renders it nearly invisible against the forest floor or when perched motionless on a branch during the day. The male is distinguished by white patches on the wings and tail, visible during his nocturnal flights.

Identification Tips

Adult European nightjars measure between 24.5–28 cm in length, with a wingspan of 52–59 cm. Males weigh between 51–101 g, while females are slightly heavier at 67–95 g. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in flight, with males sporting white wing patches and tail tips, absent in females. The young resemble adult females but are downy with brown and buff plumage.

Habitat

European nightjars favor dry, open country with a scattering of trees and shrubs. They thrive in heaths, forest clearings, and newly planted woodlands, avoiding dense forests, urban areas, and farmland.

Distribution

Breeding across Europe and the Palearctic to Mongolia and Northwestern China, the European nightjar is a migratory species, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. Its migratory paths take it across diverse landscapes, from the Mediterranean to the Sahara.

Behaviour

European nightjars are masters of camouflage, resting on the ground or perching along branches during the day. They are known for their silent, buoyant flight, facilitated by their soft plumage. Territorial males display by wing-clapping and calling, and both sexes may engage in this behavior during their spiraling display flights.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a distinctive, sustained churring trill, often accompanied by wing-clapping. Both sexes emit a "cuick" call in flight and various other calls, including hisses and chucks, in different contexts.

Breeding

The European nightjar does not construct a nest; instead, it lays its eggs directly on the ground. The eggs hatch after about 17–21 days, and the downy chicks fledge in another 16–17 days. The species is typically monogamous and may raise a second brood in a season.

Similar Species

Similar species include the red-necked nightjar, rufous-cheeked nightjar, and sombre nightjar, which can be differentiated by their size, plumage, and vocalizations.

Diet and Feeding

European nightjars feed on a wide variety of flying insects, which they capture in flight, often from a perch. They hunt primarily by sight, using their large eyes to silhouette prey against the night sky.

Conservation Status

Despite some population declines due to habitat loss, disturbance, and reduced insect prey, the European nightjar is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to its large numbers and extensive breeding range.