Common name: European Nightjar

Scientific name: Caprimulgus europaeus

Family: Caprimulgidae

Size: Body length: 24–28 cm

Wingspan: 52–59 cm

Weight: approximately 50–100 g

Identification: A medium-sized, nocturnal bird with long, pointed wings, a relatively long tail and exceptionally cryptic plumage. Its feathers are intricately patterned in shades of grey, brown, black and buff, providing excellent camouflage against soil, rocks and dry vegetation. It has a small bill, a very wide gape and prominent bristles around the mouth. Adult males show distinctive white patches near the wingtips and white corners on the tail, which are absent or much less noticeable in females and juveniles.

Habitat: Prefers open woodland, scrubland, heathland and sparsely vegetated landscapes. During migration through the UAE, it may be encountered in farms, plantations, wooded wadis, parks and open desert areas with scattered vegetation, particularly where flying insects are abundant.

Status in the UAE: An uncommon passage migrant, recorded mainly during spring and autumn migration. Most observations occur between March and May and from September to November. It does not regularly breed in the UAE and is generally encountered as a temporary visitor during migration.

Diet: Feeds almost exclusively on flying insects, particularly moths, beetles, flying ants and other nocturnal insects. It captures prey in flight using its wide gape, often hunting over open ground, around vegetation and along woodland edges.

Behavior: Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, becoming active around dusk and continuing to hunt throughout the night. During daylight hours, it rests motionless on the ground or lengthwise along a branch, relying on its remarkable camouflage to avoid detection. Its flight is silent, agile and buoyant, with sudden turns and glides while pursuing insects. In its breeding range, it lays eggs directly on the ground without constructing a conventional nest.

Conservation Status: Global: Least Concern (LC)