The European nightjar is a regular spring and autumn migrant but do not expect to see it unless you look for it between dusk and dawn.

During the day, nightjars rest on the ground, usually in a shaded area underneath a bush or on a tree branch. They breed throughout most of Europe and temperate Asia and spends the winter months in Africa, south of the Sahara.

The European nightjar is one of several species of nightjars, most of which are found in tropical areas. Nightjars feed on moths and other night-flying insects.

They have large eyes which have a reflecting surface that helps them to see in poor light conditions. They also have a very large mouth which is surrounded by large bristles that form a net around it.

Nightjars are very well camouflaged and when resting, they are very difficult to spot.

They are very confident of their camouflage and will not fly away unless they are approached very closely.

They are very confident of their camouflage and will not fly away unless they are approached very closely

When it feels threatened it flies off, but close to the ground for a few metres and lands in a suitable place to rest again.

In Maltese the nightjar is known as buqrajq. Its scientific name, Caprimulugus, is derived from the Latin capra, meaning goat, and mulgere, to milk. It refers to an ancient belief that this bird suckled goats, causing them to stop producing milk or become blind.

This belief is reflected in other European names such as the Italian succiacapri.

It is probable that the myth originated because nightjars, attracted by the higher concentration of insects, were seen flying around places where animals were kept.

There are about 80 species of nightjars worldwide. Most are found in warmer areas because these usually have a larger number of insects.

In Malta, two other very rare species of nightjar, the Egyptian nightjar (buqrajq abjad) and the red-necked nightjar (buqrajq aħmar), have been recorded.

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