Caprimulgus europaeus

The European Nightjar is classified as Data Deficient (DD) as there is insufficient data to assess its status in Israel. In the previous edition of the Red Book (2002), it was classified as DD as well. In summer 2017, the species was observed breeding along the Yarmukh and Jordan rivers (Shirihai 2017). The last known breeding event (single event) was recorded in the Hefer Valley in 1961. The newly discovered population is estimated at several tens of pairs based on male territorial vocalizations (Haviv 2017).

Presence In Israel	Migrant, Summer
Breeding In Israel	Breeder
Migration Types	Long Range
Zoographical Zones	Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian
Landscape Types	Plains & Valleys, Wetlands, Riparian, Wetland Thickets
Vegetation Types	Marsh and Riparian
Vegetation Densities	Medium
Nest Locations	Ground
Diet Types	Invertebrate
Foraging Grounds	Aerial
Body Sizes	Small (up to 500g)
Threat Factors	Unknown

The European Nightjar is a small nocturnal bird that specializes in hunting moths in flight. Its body is delicate and elongated, with a long narrow tail and wings. Head is large and rounded, with a short bill and a large gaping mouth. At the margins of the bill are tough bristles that broaden its “funnel trap”. Its feathers are soft, grey and streaked, providing excellent camouflage against a background of leaves or tree bark. Flight is silent, light and agile, with light jumps, flutters, rapid changes of direction and short glides. Wings are curved, bent at the carpal joint. The adult male has prominent white patches on its wings and tail.

The European Nightjar is a relatively common passage migrant throughout most of Israel, and can be seen migrating in all climates, including active flight over the sea. It was only recently discovered to breed in Israel and its currently known breeding range is along the Yarmukh and southern Jordan rivers, from Hamat Gader in the north to Shadmot Mehola in the south (Haviv 2017).

The European Nightjar has suffered pesticide poisoning in Europe. Its threats in Israel are unknown.

• חביב, א. 2017. סיכום פעילות ניטור קינון תחמס אירופי יולי 2017. דו"ח מרכז הצפרות של החברה להגנת הטבע.
• פז, ע. 1986. עופות. מתוך אלון, ע. (עורך), החי והצומח של ארץ ישראל. כרך 6. הוצאת משרד הביטחון, ישראל.

• Shirihai, H., 1996. The Birds of Israel. Academic Press, London.
• Symes, A. 2013. Species generation lengths. Unpublished, BirdLife International.
• Species page at Birdlife International