Nature Fact

The Nightjar, having wintered in Africa, is a Summer visitor. It has camouflage plumage and large black eyes that are highly suitable for seeing its aerial prey in poor light. Hunting takes place at dusk and dawn. With its mouth open very wide, with a fringe of bristles spreading out each side, it ‘trawls’ for moths in silent flight. The calls of nightjars, both male and female, generally delivered from a perch, are a continuous “churring” noise. The calls have been timed as lasting for more than five minutes. If conditions are right, two broods are reared during a Summer visit.