Nightjar Caprimulgas europaeus
This summer visitor is largely nocturnal and roosts in well-camouflaged cover in the daytime. The characteristically unusual flight patterns and the bright white spots on the male are helpful features when identifying this bird.
Conservation status in Norfolk
Habitat destruction led to a major decline in the nightjar population after the Second World War. More enlightened management of forestry plantations and our remaining heathlands has enabled a steady rise in numbers. The latest national survey conducted in 2003 by the British Trust for Ornithology revealed a UK population of 4,500 males representing a 34% increase on numbers recorded in 1992. In Norfolk 314 males were recorded representing a 41% increase over the same period. Well over 60% of recorded males came from the Breckland region.
How to help
Nightjars do suffer predation from foxes, stoats and crows. However the main threat to the species comes from destruction of its breeding habitat. The recent worrying decline in numbers of moths within the UK could also affect population numbers
Andrew Ramsey Dersingham May 2009
Information on the Nightjar
How to recognise
The European Nightjar is a summer visitor to the UK. The species is largely nocturnal, commencing its feeding and courting activities at dusk and continuing until early dawn. By day the bird roosts in thick cover where its cryptic camouflage makes it very difficult to see. Nightjars are most easy to locate by visiting suitable habitat at dusk and listening for the males churring song delivered from some prominent perch or by listening for its distinctive flight note.
When seen, the Nightjar has a very unusual flight comprising a deep flapping action followed by periods of gliding. Its overall shape closely resembles a hawk or a cuckoo, but the bright white spots on the outer tail feathers of the male bird are distinctive and quite noticeable even in very poor light.
Where to see
Nightjars inhabit open heathland and moorland ideally with small clumps of trees providing roost sites and song-posts. However they are increasingly utilising clearings within forestry plantations which they will inhabit until the vegetation grows too high, generally after 10-15 years. It is estimated that up to 50% of breeding birds now rely upon this type of habitat.
The nightjar is primarily found in the south of the country but is increasing its range northwards. It is also increasing in numbers throughout its UK range. In Norfolk nightjars can be seen at a number of sites including Salthouse and Kelling Heaths in the north, NWT Roydon Common and NWT Dersingham Bog in the west and at several sites in Breckland.
When to see
Nightjars arrive in the UK from their wintering grounds in Africa from mid-May and depart after breeding during late August and September. The bird is best seen at dusk (after 9.00pm) when they begin hawking for moths and other flying insects. Nightjars first breed when they are 1 year old. There are usually 2 eggs in a clutch. Young nightjars become independent just over 1 month after hatching. Nightjars can live to over 10 years of age.
Did you know?
Nightjars used to be called Goatsuckers as people used to believe they stole the milk from goats, the scientific name reflects this myth. In Norfolk the bird used to be called Dorhawk after its habit of feeding on cockchafers (the Norfolk name for the insect being dor beetle).
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