Nightjar, European

Conservation status:

Passage Migrant

Description:

The most patterned nightjar in the region and also the most widely encountered. The distinguishing features are the dark-streaked grey crown contrasting with rich brown cheeks and throat, and grey upperparts with broad bands of dark brown and buff on the scapulars and rows of buff bands on the coverts. Male has white spots in wing and tail. Most frequently seen in flight at dawn and dusk; if flushed during the day usually flies only a short distance; note rather slow, soft wing beats with long glides on stiffly held wings—like all nightjars. See Egyptian Nightjar.