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Egyptian Nightjar

Egyptian Nightjar Identification Guide

Egyptian Nightjar

Key facts

Scientific name: Caprimulgus aegyptius
UK status: Accidental (rare vagrant)
Global conservation status: Least concern
Length: 24 – 27 cm
Wingspan: 53 – 58 cm
Weight: 80 g

Description

The Egyptian nightjar resembles the European nightjar in shape but has a longer tail, longer wings, and much paler plumage. Its upperparts are sand-coloured, marked with buff and brown bars and streaks, while the underparts are whitish with fine barring. The underwings are pale with dark tips.

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Diet

The Egyptian nightjar feeds on crepuscular insects, such as moths, which it catches with its wide, bristle-lined gape.

Listen

Sven Normant/xeno-canto

Range and habitat

The Egyptian nightjar is found across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Middle East. It inhabits open desert areas, often near water, where vegetation is sparse and limited to scattered trees and bushes.

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