Red-necked Nightjar
Caprimulgus ruficollis
The Red-necked Nightjar is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen in the southern regions during the summer months, with most sightings occurring in July and August. It is a nocturnal bird, making it a challenging species to spot, especially for those unfamiliar with its habits.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Red-necked Nightjar in the field.
The Red-necked Nightjar can be identified by its broad wings, long tail, and distinctive reddish-brown neck collar, which is most pronounced in males. Its overall plumage is a mottled brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage in its native habitats.
The Red-necked Nightjar is larger than a Blue Tit, but smaller than a Starling, with its size being comparable to that of a large thrush.
The male Red-necked Nightjar has a distinctive reddish-brown collar around its neck, with the rest of its plumage being a mix of brown, grey, and black, featuring intricate mottling and barring patterns.
The female Red-necked Nightjar is similar to the male, but lacks the distinctive reddish-brown neck collar, instead having a more subdued brown and grey plumage.
The Red-necked Nightjar's call is a low, guttural "ku-ku-ku" or "kook-kook-kook", often repeated at intervals, and is typically heard at dusk or dawn when the bird is most active.
The Red-necked Nightjar is a nocturnal insectivore, using its large eyes and agile flight to catch moths and other insects in mid-air, and can be seen flying low over open fields and heathlands in search of prey.
The Red-necked Nightjar can be confused with the Nightjar, but can be distinguished by its larger size, broader wings, and the presence of a reddish-brown neck collar in males, which is absent in the Nightjar.
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