Eurasian Nightjar Bird Details
Caprimulgus europaeus
Eurasian Nightjar
Raat ka Ullu
Linnaeus, 1758
Caprimulgiformes (NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES)
Caprimulgidae
Caprimulgus
Europe, parts of Asia (India), and migrates to sub-Saharan Africa.
Appearance :
The Eurasian Nightjar has a mottled brown and gray plumage that provides excellent camouflage against its natural habitat. It has a slender body, long wings, and a short tail. The eyes are large, adapted for low-light conditions, and it has distinctive white wing bars.
Behaviour :
This species is mostly solitary or found in pairs. It is primarily nocturnal and is known for its distinctive calls and songs during the breeding season. During the day, it remains motionless on the ground, relying on its camouflage to avoid detection.
Habitat :
The Eurasian Nightjar prefers open woodlands, heathlands, and grasslands. It often inhabits areas with low vegetation where it can blend in and find suitable nesting sites.
Diet :
The diet consists mainly of insects, particularly moths and beetles, which it catches in flight during dusk and nighttime.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Eurasian Nightjar breeds across Europe and parts of Asia. It migrates to Africa for the winter.
Population Size :
3000000-5999999 mature individuals
Life Span :
The lifespan of a Eurasian Nightjar in the wild can range from 3 to 5 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Eurasian Nightjar has a slender, elongated body that helps it blend into its surroundings. Its plumage is cryptic, featuring mottled shades of brown, gray, and rufous, which provide effective camouflage against the ground.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 22-25 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and flat with a broad, rounded crown.
- Eyes: Large and dark, the eyes are adapted for low-light conditions, aiding in nocturnal foraging.
- Bill: Short and wide, suited for catching insects in flight.
- Bill Length: About 12-15 mm.
Length :
Typically ranges from 24 to 28 cm.
Neck :
Short and not particularly pronounced, blending seamlessly into the body.
Size :
Medium-sized nightjar
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and tapered, helping with maneuverability in flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 12-14 cm.
- Feathers: Soft and loose, providing a quiet flight, and are adapted for camouflage.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 70 and 130 grams.
Wing :
Long and pointed, enabling agile flight; wings are broad at the base and taper to a point.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 60 to 70 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Eurasian Nightjar has a distinctive face with a wide mouth, large eyes, and a short bill. The facial markings help with camouflage.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Eurasian Nightjar does not build a traditional nest. Instead, it lays its eggs directly on the ground, often in a slight depression.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest site typically has some leaf litter, small stones, or grass to provide a camouflage effect, ensuring the eggs remain hidden from predators.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season varies by region but typically occurs from late April to July in Europe.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season generally coincides with the warmer months when insects are abundant.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale brown or buff, with dark speckles that help with camouflage.
Egg Length :
Approximately 30-32 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 22-24 mm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg typically weighs around 8-10 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically, the clutch size is 2 eggs, but it can vary between 1 to 3 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, they raise one brood per breeding season
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 18-20 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestlings fledge approximately 15-20 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
The Eurasian Nightjar is known for its characteristic "churring" call, often described as a repetitive and rhythmic sound.
Sex Demorphism :
Males may have slightly more vibrant plumage patterns, especially in the throat area.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Eurasian Nightjar is a migratory bird, migrating from its breeding grounds in Europe and parts of Asia to wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs in the late summer and early autumn, with birds departing from breeding grounds around August to September. They return in spring, usually in April.
- Migration Route: The migration route generally goes across the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert, with various stopover points along the way.
- Reasons for Migration: The primary reasons for migration include the search for food and favorable breeding conditions. During winter, the Eurasian Nightjar migrates to warmer regions where insects are abundant.