The Egyptian nightjar is a medium-small nightjar which occurs in south west Asia and north Africa and winters in tropical Africa. This is a fairly common species with a wide distribution which faces no obvious threats apart from habitat destruction, so the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Region
North Africa and Southwest Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds patchily from Morocco and Egypt through the Middle East to parts of Iran and Iraq, wintering mainly in the Sahel of tropical Africa. It favors open, arid landscapes such as stony deserts, gravel plains, wadis, sandy flats, salt pans, and sparsely vegetated scrub. It is also found around oases and the edges of irrigated fields where open ground remains. By day it roosts on the ground in shade or in slight depressions, relying on cryptic plumage. During winter it uses similarly open, dry habitats with scattered trees or bushes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A sandy, pale nightjar of deserts and semi-deserts, it relies on superb camouflage and often freezes on the ground when approached. It nests directly on bare substrate, usually laying one or two eggs without building a nest. Compared with many nightjars it shows very little white in the wings, a helpful field mark. It sometimes roosts or forages along tracks and can be at risk from vehicles at night.
Resting during the day with chick
Temperament
solitary and cryptic
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with short rapid wingbeats and glides low over the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests are simple ground scrapes where 1–2 eggs are laid; both parents incubate and care for the young. Outside breeding, individuals may roost singly or in loose proximity in suitable open areas.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A soft, low churring or purring trill, often delivered at night from the ground. Also gives quiet clicks and ‘tik’ notes in flight. Less vocal than some related nightjars.
Plumage
Very pale sandy-buff overall with fine grey and brown mottling; underparts lightly barred. Wings and tail show subtle mottling with minimal white markings compared to many nightjars.
Diet
Feeds almost entirely on flying insects such as moths, beetles, termites, and other nocturnal arthropods. Hunts by aerial hawking, often low over open ground, and will sally from a ground perch. It may take advantage of artificial lights that attract insects and occasionally drinks on the wing at open water.
Preferred Environment
Open desert flats, gravel plains, and the margins of oases or irrigated fields where insect activity is concentrated. Forages along tracks, dry riverbeds, and around scattered shrubs or low trees.
