Family:
The red-necked nightjar closely resembles the European nightjar but is larger and has a longer tail. Its plumage is predominantly grey, marked with buff, chestnut, and black bars and streaks, with and a rufous neck collar and upper breast The underwing is pale grey, and the wing coverts have four rows of lighter grey spots, each tipped with white. Males and females are similar in appearance.
Like the European nightjar, it is well camouflaged during the day, resting on the ground and blending into its surroundings. It is most easily detected at night when it becomes active and emits its characteristic churring call.
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The red-necked nightjar feeds on crepuscular insects, such as moths, which it catches with its wide, bristle-lined gape.
Red-necked nightjars have a very limited range. They breed in south-western Europe and north-western Africa, favouring open areas with sparse vegetation such as rocky hillsides, pine woodlands, and sandy heaths. During winter, they migrate to similar habitats in western Africa.
