Caprimulgus europaeus - European Nightjar
Feather characters. Barbules are rather long (1.9-2.9 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and (partly) pigmented (more than 50%) internodes. Slightly thickened nodes (13-16 per mm) are located on proximal end of barbules. Basal-most nodes are most pronounced. Over a short distance these nodes abruptly decrease in size. Further along the barbule, nodal structures are too small to qualify as nodes. On distal end of barbules nodal structures may be hard to discern. Villi are absent and internodes are straight. Minute prongs are mostly located on proximal end of barbules on both sides of the pennulum.
Field characters. Size 27 cm. Weight 67 g (56-85) (Dunning, 1993). Usually heard only. Plumage cryptically coloured with grey, brown and black bars and streaks. Buff spots on upperparts. Male has white spots on outer tail feathers and white subterminal spots on wing tips. Large flat head with very small bill but huge mouth. Long pointed wings and long tail give the impression of a small falcon. Hides during daytime on the ground or sits parallel on a branch and is almost invisible due to its camouflage colouring. Active at dusk and at night. Nests on the ground.
Voice. Song an endless churring 'errrrrrrrrr orrrrrrrrrrr'; call 'koo-ik'. During display also claps its wings.
Distribution. Summer visitor. Locally common, but decreasing due to habitat destruction and disturbance. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Dry open woodland, forest clearings, and heather and moorland with scattered trees and bushes.
Food. Insectivorous. Mainly moths and beetles, captured in active flight or from perch, like a flycatcher.