Nightjars

Europe has two species of nightjars, and there are many more worldwide, but the UK has just one. Nightjars are inactive by day, well hidden by their cryptic plumage patterns, but become active at dusk, when their strange calls and songs may be heard. They have broad heads and very short bills, but wide mouths, helping them to catch moths in flight; they are exceptionally agile fliers, with long, tapered wings and long tails, but they have very short legs and can scarcely walk. The European species are long-distance migrants, spending the winter in Africa.

Nightjar

Nightjars are nocturnal birds and can be seen hawking for food at dusk and dawn. With pointed wings and a long tails their shape is similar to a kestrel or cuckoo. Their cryptic, grey-brown, mottled, ... More...