The well-camouflaged Eurasian Nightjar nests on the ground, often near a bush, in heath- and scrubland, young plantations, clearings and reforested areas.Nightjars are most active at dawn and dusk when they hunt for moths, beetles and crane flies. During courtship, the male attracts a mate by calling with a loud ‘churring’ song. Despite  their wingspan of 54 to 60 cm,they are quite difficult to see. Nightjars are summer visitors to France (April to September). They spend the winter in tropical Africa.

Conservation objectives

This species is declining in Europe due to the fragmentation of its habitats. Its situation in France and the PACA region seems to be of less concern at present.

Reproduction periode

May to June

Threats

> Declining food supply due to gradual loss of open habitats

> Use of pesticides (poisoning of food),

> Disturbance or even destruction of nests (on the ground) by walkers, cyclists, vehicles, dogs off the leash…