Nightjars
Eurasian Nightjar
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Caprimulgus europaeus
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Voice
Song
Call
Song
How to recognize it
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24.5–28 cm long
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Mottled grey-brown plumage blends with bark and leaf litter
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Long pointed wings; silent, buoyant flight, white marks on wings and tail only in males
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At dusk — a long, dry male trill, "churrrr"
About the species
The Eurasian Nightjar’s grey-brown plumage is finely streaked and barred, with a pale buff band at the back of the neck and a light stripe beside the bill. By day, it blends into leaf litter or bark, often sitting lengthwise along a branch. At dusk, a male’s white marks on the wings and tail show as he flies.
The male gives a steady, rattling “churr” from a perch, especially around dusk, sometimes changing its pace or pitch. In flight, it moves almost silently on long pointed wings, catching insects with its wide-open mouth; by day, it stays still and may press itself to the ground when danger comes near.
It breeds in dry, open places such as clearings, heaths and open woodland with scattered trees or bushes. After dark, it hunts moths, beetles and other flying insects, sometimes waiting on a perch before catching them in flight. It migrates to spend the winter south of the Sahara, returning to its breeding grounds in spring.
Where to find
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At a forest clearing in the breeding season, listen at dusk for the Eurasian Nightjar's long trill, sung from a branch.
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After dark over a wetland, watch for a silent flight in pursuit of flying insects.
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In the evening near grazing livestock, watch for hunting flights after flies and other insects drawn to the animals.