Nightjars – Group Overview

Nightjars are nocturnal and crepuscular birds best known for their cryptic plumage, wide mouths, and silent, buoyant flight. They are most often encountered at dusk or after dark, when they emerge to hunt flying insects.

Nightjars belong to the family Caprimulgidae. During the day, they typically rest on the ground or along branches, relying on exceptional camouflage to avoid detection. Their soft calls and churring songs are characteristic sounds of the night.

These birds are specialised aerial insectivores, feeding mainly on moths, beetles, and other nocturnal insects. Their presence is often revealed by eye-shine in torchlight or by vocalisations rather than direct observation.

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This section features photographs of nightjars documented across open habitats, forests, scrublands, and semi-arid landscapes, highlighting their camouflage, behaviour, and nocturnal activity.

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Licensing & Prints

Selected photographs of nightjars are available for licensing and editorial use.
View Nightjars Collection