Nightjars

European nightjar · Lēlis

Caprimulgus europaeus

Illustration of the european nightjar — A nocturnal insect hunter, usually detected by its sustained churring song.

Found in Latvia?: Yes · summer breeder
Habitat: Open pine woodland, heathland, and forest clearings.
Diet: Moths, beetles, and other flying insects.

Appearance and behaviour

The European nightjar is a nocturnal bird with mottled brown and grey plumage. By day it rests on the ground or along a branch, where its colouring provides effective camouflage. At dusk it hunts flying insects, catching them with a wide gape despite its small-looking bill.

The male’s prolonged churring song is a characteristic sound of warm summer evenings in open woodland. Nightjars lay their eggs directly on the ground without constructing a nest. Their presence is usually easier to establish by listening than by searching with binoculars, which is occasionally a relief.

Occurrence in Latvia

A summer breeder in Latvia that winters in Africa. Open pine forests and clearings are suitable places to listen at dusk. Avoid approaching calling birds closely, as nests may be on the ground nearby.