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Nightjar

Nightjars are a family of nocturnal or crepuscular birds in the order Caprimulgiformes, known for their camouflaged plumage, silent flight, and insect-eating habits.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nightjars are a family of nocturnal or crepuscular birds in the order Caprimulgiformes, known for their camouflaged plumage, silent flight, and insect-eating habits. The name is used mainly for Old World species in the family Caprimulgidae, while some New World relatives are commonly called nighthawks. They occur on most continents and include the European nightjar (*Caprimulgus europaeus*).

Classification

Nightjars belong to the family Caprimulgidae within the order Caprimulgiformes. The term sometimes extends to related groups, including the nighthawks.

Appearance and behaviour

Nightjars are known for long wings, short legs, a very short bill, and cryptic grey-brown plumage that makes them difficult to see when roosting. They are most active at dusk, dawn, and night.

Habitat and distribution

The group is widely distributed on most continents except Antarctica. The European nightjar breeds in parts of Europe and is found in habitats such as heathland, moorland, open conifer woodland, and young conifer stands.

Diet and feeding

Nightjars feed mainly on flying insects, including moths, beetles, and flies. Their wide gape and bristled mouth help them catch prey in flight.

Conservation status

Conservation status varies by species. The European nightjar remains common enough to be listed as Least Concern globally, but it is classed as an Amber species in the UK because of habitat loss and other pressures.

Key facts

  • Nightjars are medium-sized birds adapted for hunting at dusk and night.
  • They have mottled, camouflage-like plumage that helps them blend into resting sites during the day.
  • Their diet consists mainly of flying insects, which they catch in flight.
  • Many species produce a distinctive churring call, often used to detect them.
  • Nightjars are widespread globally, with the family occurring on most continents except Antarctica.
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Canadian context

Nightjars are relevant to Canadian readers mainly through the broader global bird family and related New World species called nighthawks, which occur in Canada and North America. The specific European nightjar is not native to Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is a nightjar?
A nightjar is a nocturnal or crepuscular bird in the family Caprimulgidae, noted for camouflage, silent flight, and insect hunting.
What do nightjars eat?
They mainly eat flying insects such as moths, beetles, and flies.
Where do nightjars live?
Nightjars occur on most continents except Antarctica, with many species in open habitats, woodland edges, heath, or scrub.
Why are nightjars hard to see?
Their mottled grey-brown plumage provides excellent camouflage during the day, when they rest motionless.
What is the European nightjar?
The European nightjar (*Caprimulgus europaeus*) is a well-known nightjar species native to parts of Europe and associated with summer breeding in Britain.
Are nightjars and nighthawks the same?
Not exactly. Some New World species are called nighthawks, while “nightjar” usually refers to members of Caprimulgidae in the Old World.

References

  1. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds — https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/nightjar
    Supports: Nocturnal behaviour, camouflage, churring call, and general identification of the European nightjar.
  2. Discover Wildlife — https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/facts-about-nightjars
    Supports: Seasonal presence and conservation listing information for nightjars in Britain.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightjar
    Supports: General family classification and broad global distribution.
  4. Woodland Trust — https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/birds/nightjar/
    Supports: Scientific name, habitat, diet, size, and UK conservation context for the European nightjar.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/nightjar
    Supports: Taxonomic overview and family-level definition of nightjars.
  6. The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/swallows-swift-martins-and-nightjar/nightjar
    Supports: Habitat, breeding, size, diet, behaviour, and UK conservation status of the European nightjar.
  7. British Trust for Ornithology — https://www.bto.org/learn/about-birds/birdfacts/nightjar
    Supports: Breeding-site detection and general British occurrence.
  8. BirdGuides — https://www.birdguides.com/articles/species-profiles/european-nightjar/
    Supports: Population estimates and decline in parts of Europe.