Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2016, the Nightjar is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a
global scale. A decreasing population trend has been noted however.
Species Biology
Identification
The Nightjar is an elusive,
nocturnal species that will most commonly be found hunting for prey at dawn and
dusk, rarely seen during daytime.
In addition to its nocturnal
nature, this species possesses a highly detailed, cryptic pattern of greys,
browns and whites, giving it an incredibly effective natural camouflage to help
stay hidden. It is almost always heard rather than seen.
The Nightjar possesses a long
tail and sharply pointed wings.
Standing at approximately 27 cm
in length and with a wingspan of around 60 cm, the Nightjar is a relatively
small bird, weighing 60-100 grams.
Diet
The Nightjar is strictly
insectivorous, feeding on moths and beetles.
Nightjar will hunt on the wing,
catching prey out of the air.
Habitat
Nightjars are most commonly
associated with upland habitats in Ireland such as heathlands, moorland, open
woodland and recently planted or clear-felled conifer plantations.
Reproduction
Female Nightjar lays a clutch of
2 eggs, weighing 8.4 grams each in late-May to late-July. An incubation period
of 18 days will commence with both the male and female incubating the eggs.
The young will fledge after 18-19
days.
A typical wild Nightjar lives for
four years, breeding after the first year.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Nightjar is a very rare summer
visitor that visits from tropical Africa, with small numbers breeding each year.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/nightjar/
The Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/nightjar/
British Trust
for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob7780.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22689887/86103675