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The Egyptian nightjar is a medium-small nightjar which occurs in south west Asia and north Africa and winters in tropical Africa. This is a fairly common species with a wide distribution which faces no obvious threats apart from habitat destruction, so the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The variegated plumage is much paler than the European nightjar. The adult is sand-coloured, barred and streaked with buff and brown. The under parts are sandy or whitish. It is smaller, but relatively longer-winged and longer-tailed than the more widespread species. Like other nightjars, it has a wide gape, long wings, soft downy plumage and nocturnal habits. The male has tiny white wing spots. The length is 25 cm, and the wingspan 55 cm. Its call is a repetitive mechanical kroo-kroo-kroo…, which rises and falls as the bird turns its head from side to side.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Sweden.
When to see it
Peak activity in March · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Montane NightjarCaprimulgus poliocephalusThe montane nightjar is a rather dark nightjar growing to a length of about 23 cm (9.1 in).
Madagascar NightjarCaprimulgus madagascariensisThe Madagascar nightjar or Madagascan nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae.
Slender-tailed NightjarCaprimulgus clarusThe slender-tailed nightjar is a medium-sized nightjar, measuring approximately 25–28 cm in length.
Learn the Egyptian Nightjar for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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