© Photo by David Tipling/2020VISION Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Arriving here in April and May from their wintering grounds in Africa, Nightjars nest on the ground on heathland and in young conifer woods. They are nocturnal, feeding on moths, flies and beetles. © Photo by David Tipling/2020VISION Amazingly well camouflaged, it is best to look for Nightjars at dusk during May and June when the males can be seen displaying to females, flying around them, wing-clapping and calling. The call of the male Nightjar is a distinctive ‘churring’ sound and often the best indicator they are about. How to Identify If seen well, the Nightjar is unmistakable; its cryptic, bark-like plumage hiding it amongst the undergrowth. Adults have flat heads, a small bill with a surprisingly large gape and big eyes. Males have white patches towards the end of the wings and at the end of the tail; females lack these. Where to Find A rare summer visitor to England, Wales and southern Scotland. How People Can Help Nightjars suffered massive declines in the 1980’s due to loss of habitat, over 80% of lowland heathland in the UK has been lost in just 200 years. Nesting on the ground means that Nightjars are very sensitive to disturbance. The parents can easily be scared off their nests by walkers and particularly their dogs, leaving the eggs vulnerable to predators. Ensuring breeding birds are not disturbed and heathland nature reserves are well-managed are some of the ways The Wildlife Trusts are helping this bird to survive. You can help too: volunteer for The Wildlife Trusts and you could be involved in everything from clearing scrub to raising awareness about nesting birds. Don’t forget to keep dogs on leads in areas where ground-nesting birds are breeding. Did you know? If you are watching Nightjars at dusk, try flapping a white handkerchief in the air. Sometimes the males will come closer to investigate the white flashes! Key FactsLength: 26-28cmWingspan: 60cmWeight: 83gAverage lifespan: 4 years Donate Donate to help support Nightjar and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Crossbill Birds Cuckoo Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Goosander Birds Great Crested Grebe Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds Hobby Birds House Martin Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Lesser Redpoll Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Little Owl Birds Little Ringed Plover Birds Long-Eared Owl Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Marsh Harrier Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Merlin Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nuthatch Birds Osprey Birds Oystercatcher Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Pied Wagtail Birds Raven Birds Red Grouse Birds Red Kite Birds Redstart Birds Redwing Birds Reed Bunting Birds Reed Warbler Birds Ringed Plover Birds Robin Birds Rock Pipit Birds Rook Birds Sedge Warbler Birds Short-Eared Owl Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Spotted Flycatcher Birds Starling Birds Stonechat Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Teal Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Tufted Duck Birds Water Rail Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whimbrel Birds Whinchat Birds Whitethroat Birds Wigeon Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Woodcock Birds Wren Birds Yellow Wagtail Birds Yellowhammer Birds