Nightjar

An elusive summer visitor, the Nightjar haunts heathland and woodland clearings, emerging at dusk.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium (26–28 cm)
Plumage: Cryptic grey-brown
Distinctive Marks: White wing spots (male), long wings
Bill: Short but wide
Tail: Long
Flight: Silent, fluttering

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Heathland and conifer plantations—especially Pulborough and Iping Common.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Unmistakable “churring” trill at dusk. Males clap wings in display.

🍴 Diet

Moths and other night-flying insects.

📸 Birding Tip

Arrive at dusk in June. Listen before you look—churring often precedes sightings.

An elusive summer visitor, the Nightjar haunts heathland and woodland clearings, emerging at dusk.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium (26–28 cm)
Plumage: Cryptic grey-brown
Distinctive Marks: White wing spots (male), long wings
Bill: Short but wide
Tail: Long
Flight: Silent, fluttering

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Heathland and conifer plantations—especially Pulborough and Ambersham and Heyshott Common

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Unmistakable “churring” trill at dusk. Males clap wings in display.

🍴 Diet

Moths and other night-flying insects.

📸 Birding Tip

Arrive at dusk in June. Listen before you look—churring often precedes sightings.