common nightjar

The common nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) is a bird species found in temperate to tropical regions worldwide, excluding New Zealand and some Pacific islands. These birds are characterized by their protective coloring of gray, brown, or reddish-brown, which helps them camouflage. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, and feed on flying insects caught in mid-air.12

Key features of nightjars include a flat head, a wide mouth fringed with bristles, and large eyes. Their soft plumage allows for silent flight. The common nightjar is about 30 cm (12 inches) long and breeds across Europe and western Asia, migrating to Africa for the winter. Other notable species include the lyre-tailed nightjar of South America and the pennant-winged nightjar of Africa.1