The
easiest way to find out if the nocturnal and well-camouflaged nightjar
is about is to listen out for its distinctive 'churring' call at dusk. A
summer visitor, it is most numerous in southern England.
About
Arriving
here in April and May from its wintering grounds in Africa, the
nightjar nests on the ground on heathland and in young conifer woods. It
is nocturnal, feeding on moths, flies and beetles. Amazingly well
camouflaged, the nightjar is most easily spotted at dusk when the males
can be seen displaying to females, flying around them, wing-clapping and
making their distinctive 'churring' calls.How to identify
The
nightjar has cryptic, bark-like plumage that helps it hide among the
undergrowth. Adults have flat heads, a small bill with a surprisingly
large gape, and big eyes. Males have white patches towards the end of
their wings and at the end of their tails.Distribution
A summer visitor to England, Wales and southern Scotland.Did you know?
If you are watching nightjars
at dusk, try flapping a white handkerchief in the air - sometimes the
males will come closer to investigate the white flashes!
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