European Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="caprimulgus-europaeus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium Caprimulgidae nightjar (~76 g) breeding across Eurasia from Britain to central Siberia in open heath, scrub, and pine plantations. Males produce a sustained mechanical churring song at dusk. Long-distance migrant wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. Feeds on moths and beetles. Least Concern despite local heathland declines.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 36.6 cm | 14.4 in |
| Weight | 75.83333333333333 g | 2.67 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Grey-brown and buff mottled with intricate dark vermiculations; male has white spots on outer primaries and white outer tail corners; plain grey head with pale supercilium; female lacks white wing and tail markings.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds across Europe and western Asia from Britain to Lake Baikal; long-distance migrant wintering in sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to East Africa.
Diet & Feeding
Hawks moths, beetles, and flying insects at dusk and night over European heathland, forest edge, and open woodland.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO. Incubation: 17-21 days. Fledging: 16-17 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Long, mechanical churring trill; sustained 'errrrrr' switching pitch between two notes; unique ventriloquial quality; calls from heath at dusk; alarm a sharp 'coo-ic'
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | Caprimulgus europaeus |
Distribution
European Nightjar has been recorded in 6 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the European Nightjar eat?
Where does the European Nightjar live?
Is the European Nightjar endangered?
How does the European Nightjar nest?
What does the European Nightjar sound like?
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What order and family does the European Nightjar belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family