NIGHTJAR

This is one night bird which at least you have a chance of seeing, emerging from daytime roosting sites, where it sits invisible, wrapped in immaculate cryptic camouflage. They are, of course, night birds, emerging in the crepuscular hours of the evening, though often only showing themselves when you are about to give up and go home. Only males sing the distinctive, beautiful purring song, as well as croaking out a curious ‘koowick’ call and occasionally wingclapping in display. Males are also the only ones with white wing patches and white corners to the tail. Both genders have a beautiful, buoyant flight, like a small delicate falcon on strings.