Often more heard than seen, the nightjar is a master of camouflage and shadow, coming to life only after sunset. Their churring call, accompanied by strange wing claps and frog-like chirps, makes them feel more folklore than feathered. Indeed, their strange habits and nocturnal lifestyle have led to centuries of myth. Once known as ‘goatsuckers,’ early naturalists wrongly believed they drank milk from goats, a tale that survives in their scientific name: Caprimulgus europaeus.

These elusive summer visitors favour open heathland and woodland clearings for nesting - habitats Hampshire is lucky to have. But their ground-nesting behaviour means they are vulnerable to disturbance. Sticking to paths and keeping dogs on leads is essential to give these birds space to breed safely.

Nightjars have an extraordinary appearance that perfectly suits their twilight world. Their plumage is a mottled mix of browns, greys, and creams, resembling the dappled shadows of leaf litter and dry grass. This intricate patterning acts like natural camouflage, helping them disappear against the earth during the day. Their feathers are soft and fluffy around the head and neck, giving them a somewhat scruffy yet captivating look.

One of their most striking features is their wings. These long, pointed wings have a distinctive white or pale buff patch near the tips, which flashes when they fly. Their wingspan can be impressive, stretching about 64 centimeters, allowing them to glide silently as they hunt at dusk. Their tail is similarly patterned, with barred markings that add to their ghostly appearance.

If you’re lucky, you may spot one in flight: moth-like and silent, looping unpredictably through the dusk as they hunt moths and mosquitoes mid-air. Their huge, gaping mouths sweep up insects with astonishing efficiency. Male nightjars put on quite a show to impress mates, clapping their wings in flight to create percussive sounds that echo over the heath.

Nightjars arrive in late spring and depart by early autumn, travelling thousands of miles to winter in Central Africa. So summer evenings are the only chance to watch them.