Eurasian Nightjar

Caprimulgus europaeus · Migratory bird found in Eurasia and Africa
Order
Caprimulgiformes
Codes
eurnig1, EUNI

About the Eurasian Nightjar

The European nightjar, common goatsucker, Eurasian nightjar or just nightjar is a crepuscular and nocturnal bird in the nightjar family that breeds across most of Europe and the Palearctic to Mongolia and Northwestern China. The Latin generic name refers to the old myth that the nocturnal nightjar suckled from goats, causing them to cease to give milk. The six subspecies differ clinally, the birds becoming smaller and paler towards the east of the range. All populations are migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. Their densely patterned grey and brown plumage makes individuals difficult to see in the daytime when they rest on the ground or perch motionless along a branch, although the male shows white patches in the wings and tail as he flies at night.

Source: Wikipedia

Taxonomy & Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderCaprimulgiformes
FamilyNightjars and Allies (Caprimulgidae)
SpeciesCaprimulgus europaeus
Species Codeseurnig1, EUNI

Frequently Asked Questions

What family does the Eurasian Nightjar belong to?

The Eurasian Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) belongs to the Nightjars and Allies family (Caprimulgidae), in the order Caprimulgiformes.

How can I identify the Eurasian Nightjar?

The European nightjar, common goatsucker, Eurasian nightjar or just nightjar is a crepuscular and nocturnal bird in the nightjar family that breeds across most of Europe and the Palearctic to Mongolia and Northwestern China. The Latin generic name refers to the old myth that the nocturnal nightjar s...

Where can I report a Eurasian Nightjar sighting?

You can log sightings of Eurasian Nightjar on eBird (ebird.org) using species code eurnig1, or on iNaturalist.