Nightjar habitats and breeding in East Anglia

Abstract

T characteristic habitat of the Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus is dry heathland with scattered trees, usually silver birch Betula pendula or Scots Pinus sylvestris and Corsican pine P. maritima. A range of other habitats may also be used: chalk downland, open woodland, dense coppice, sand-dunes and even shingle beaches (Bannerman 1955); and, in recent years, clearfelled woods and young pine plantations. Little is known of the species' requirements within these habitats; indeed, the Nightjar has been very little studied recently, although its numbers have been reported to be declining (Stafford 1962, Sharrock 1976). This paper reports a study made during 1968-77.