Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus

The Nightjar, also called European Nightjar to distinguish from other species, breeds in the UK and through much of Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. It winters in sub-Saharan Africa.

It is rarely seen since it lives in open country or woodland, has cryptic camouflage plumage and sleeps most of the day.

If in trees, it usually sits longways on branches to maximise camouflage. There are 2 Nightjars in the same tree in the photo above right.

It flies mainly at dusk, night and dawn when its prey, mainly moths, beetles and other flying insects are on the wing. It catches prey (by sight) and drinks water in flight.

Photos were taken by Alexandra Makhnina in Kazakhstan.