What are nightjars? An introduction to the elusive bird

The nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) is unlike any other British bird. They vanish into the landscape during the day by using their camouflaged plumage and come out to hunt moths and other flying insects at night. 

They’re summer visitors to the UK, arriving in late spring (typically in May) and staying until August or early September. During this time, they breed and feed in preparation for their epic migration to sub-Saharan Africa for winter. 

In Kent and southern England more generally, nightjars can be found in areas of open heathland, woodland clearings, moorland, or young forestry plantations. These landscapes are increasingly rare, making conservation work essential to the long-term survival of the species. 

They nest on the ground, often seeking bare or sparse patches, so it’s important to stay on paths and keep dogs on leads in these habitats during breeding season. 

What do nightjars look like?

Nightjars have a wonderfully camouflaged, speckled plumage of brown and cream. Their bodies can seem quite large in proportion to their face, although their large black eyes make up for that! Little whiskers poke out around their short, curved black beaks. When they open their mouths, their gape is surprisingly big. 

They measure between roughly 26 and 28 centimetres in length, with a wingspan ranging from 57 to 64 centimetres. 

Nightjar myths and folklore 

Throughout history, the nightjar has been given a variety of names, including ‘goat sucker’ - if you can believe it after seeing how sweet it looks! 

It got this particular name from myths that the bird suckled from the teats of goats. No doubt this started because it was often seen hunting around livestock where insects gathered. 

Other names included ‘fern owl’ and ‘dewfall-hawk’, the latter being found in the poem ‘Afterwards’ by Thomas Hardy: 

“If it be in the dusk when, like an eyelid's soundless blink, 
    The dewfall-hawk comes crossing the shades to alight 
Upon the wind-warped upland thorn.” 

You can just picture its eerily silent hunt across the dusky uplands, can’t you?  

Protecting nightjars and heathland wildlife 

Heathlands are among the UK’s most threatened habitats – and nightjars are one of their most iconic inhabitants. 

Unfortunately, over the past 150 years, around 85% of heathland has been lost through agricultural development and the planting of conifers. The small, fragmented patches that remained fell out of use and natural succession led to the development of secondary woodland, resulting in the loss of many specialist heathland species. You can find out more about the historical use and importance of heathlands here. 

Since then, conservation programmes have sought to reverse the decline of this precious habitat through management and restoration. Today heathlands are no longer seen simply as wasteland and are valued for their wildlife and cultural history. 

At Kent Wildlife Trust, we’re proud to be working for a Wilder Kent, creating space for nature to thrive and for people to reconnect with the natural world. Supporting and restoring heathland habitats is a key part of this mission. 

The mysterious nightjar has fascinated humans for generations – long may their calls ring out across the twilight. 

Experience the nightjar’s churr for yourself 

If you hope to experience the haunting song of the nightjar in the UK, plan an evening walk in suitable habitats during the summer and listen carefully as darkness falls. They tend to become most active around half an hour after sunset. 

Bring your binoculars, stay quiet, and keep watch for the shadows gliding silently above the scrub.