Description

The European nightjar is 10-11 inches long, and has a wingspan of about 24 inches. Its plumage of grays, browns and russets makes it almost invisible when lying on the ground, looking much like a piece of bark. Males can be distinguished by their white spots on the primaries and white tips to the outer tail feathers. The bill is black, and the legs reddish brown.

Distribution and Habitat

This species of nightjar summers in northern and central Europe (May to October), and winters in sub-Saharan Africa as far south as the Cape. It requires low, sparse vegetation in which to nest, and lives in heathy wastes, bracken-covered slopes, and open woods.

Diet

European nightjars will travel a fair distance to preferred heathlands, deciduous or mixed woodlands, orch