European Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus
The European nightjar is 24.5–28 cm (9.6–11.0 in) long, with a 52–59 cm (20–23 in) wingspan. The male weighs 51–101 g (1.8–3.6 oz) and the female 67–95 g (2.4–3.4 oz). The adult of the nominate subspecies has greyish-brown upperparts with dark streaking, a pale buff hindneck collar and a white moustachial line. The closed wing is grey with buff spotting, and the underparts are greyish-brown, with brown barring and buff spots. The bill is blackish, the iris is dark brown and the legs and feet are brown. The flight on long pointed wings is noiseless, due to their soft plumage, and very buoyant. Voice: The male European nightjar's song is a sustained churring trill, given continuously for up to 10 minutes with occasional shifts of speed or pitch. It is delivered from a perch, and the male may move around its territory using different song posts. Singing is more frequent at dawn and dusk than during the night, and is reduced in poor weather.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Savanna Nightjar
Caprimulgus affinis
The savanna nightjar measures 20-26cm in length, has a body weight of 54-110g, and a wingspan of 64cm, with size varying by subspecies, ranging from small to medium-large. Like other nightjars, they have long pointed wings and small legs and feet, indicating their reliance on flight over walking. The bill is wide, revealing a large gape when opened, and is surrounded by facial feathers, called rictal bristles. Their vermiculated grey-brown plumage, characteristic of all nightjars, makes them difficult to tell apart from other species based on sight alone. Voice: Savanna nightjars begin vocalisation during early dusk and can be heard throughout the night until dawn, becoming especially vocal during breeding. The characteristic "chwip" call is used for both marking territory and attracting females during breeding season. Females vocalise less, emitting soft squeaks during brooding.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Where you might meet both
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Play today's Daily BirdPhotos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: European Nightjar and Savanna Nightjar.