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13

European Nightjar

(Caprimulgus europaeus)
Alternate name(s): "Eurasian Nightjar", "Nightjar*"
German name(s): "Ziegenmelker"

Size: 24-28 cm; wing span 52-59 cm
Weight: 50-100 g (male), 65-95 g (female)

Similar
species

Description     Classification     Distribution     Sightings     Photos     Breeding     Nest     Eggs     Behaviour     Food     Call/s

Physical description

Click here for a physical description

Taxonomy, classification

See European Nightjar at Wikipedia .

Range, habitat, finding this species

Click here for information on habitat and range

Sightings

Click here for sighting information

Photos

Race "meridionalis"

ADULT

MALE

Lateral view of a male European Nightjar; note the characteristic white wing spots (photo courtesy of I. Medenica)
[Near Lake Bor, eastern Serbia, May 2016]

Race "unwini"

Photos of European Nightjars, race "unwini", were taken by us in Oman.

Behaviour

Like all other species of nightjars known to us, European Nightjars usually do not perch on shrubs or trees; they are either found on the ground or in the air.

Food, Diet

European Nightjars are insect hunters.

These pages are largely based on our own observations and those of our contributors. The structure of these bird pages is explained HERE. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.

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