Which habitats do nightjars occupy?
Nightjars are highly adaptable birds that occupy a vast range of habitats, spanning from semidesert environments to very humid regions. They are found at elevations ranging from sea level up to 4,000 metres (approximately 13,100 feet).1
These birds generally prefer open areas, including:
* Savannas1
* Grasslands1
* Forest clearings1
When nightjars inhabit woodlands, they typically reside in more open forests or brushwood growths. In these environments, they often use the woodlands primarily for nesting or diurnal concealment, while performing the majority of their feeding at the forest edge or within clearings. Their plumage is remarkably adapted to these surroundings, featuring patterns that provide natural camouflage against the forest floor, gravelly terrain, or other debris.12