European Nightjar

Caprimulgus europaeus Linnaeus, 1758

European Nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus, breeds across western and central parts of the Palearctic and spends the non-breeding season in Africa. It is a nightjar of open, dry country with scattered trees and small bushes, including heaths, forest edges and young plantations. Its plumage is grey and brown with dense patterning, which helps it blend into the ground or a branch by day. The male shows white in the wings and tail in flight, and in spring he holds territory with a long churring trill.

Order

Caprimulgiformes

Family

Caprimulgidae — Nightjars

Breeding range

Palearctic: w, c

Nonbreeding range

Africa