Nightjar

About

How nightjar lives

Nightjars are dusk-flying birds that catch insects with wide mouths and cryptic plumage. Many nightjars roost on the ground or branches where their patterns resemble bark or leaves. Forest habitats reward animals that can climb, hide, or move quietly through layered vegetation.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure. Protecting nightjar also depends on keeping forest, grassland habitats healthy and connected.

Common species still depend on habitat quality, clean water, food webs, and low disturbance.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Many nightjars roost on the ground or branches where their patterns resemble bark or leaves.
• Feathers serve many jobs at once, including insulation, waterproofing, signaling, and flight control.
• Forest habitats reward animals that can climb, hide, or move quietly through layered vegetation.
• Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure.