The grey nightjar is a species of nightjar found in East Asia, breeding from southeastern Russia south through China, the Korean Peninsula and Japan to northern Indochina and westward along the Himalayas. It is largely migratory, wintering in Indochina south to Java in Indonesia, but is resident in warmer areas in the south of its breeding range. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the jungle nightjar, its South Asian relative. The grey nightjar breeds and forages in early successional habitats surrounded by forests; its populations have declined since the 1970s in Japan. Like all nightjars, it is crepuscular to nocturnal, feeding on flying insects, including moths, beetles, flying ants, grasshoppers, and others.
Region
East Asia and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from southeastern Russia and northeastern China through the Korean Peninsula and Japan, south into northern Indochina and west along the Himalayan foothills. Winters largely in Indochina south to the Greater Sundas, including Java, with some birds resident in warmer southern parts of the breeding range. Prefers early successional habitats, forest edges, clearcuts, scrubby hillsides, and riverine gravel bars. It also forages over open fields, along roads, and occasionally in urban parks at night.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A crepuscular and nocturnal insect-eater, the grey nightjar relies on superbly cryptic plumage to roost on the ground or low branches during the day. It often hunts along forest edges, clearings, and near lights where insects gather. Males show a conspicuous white wing patch in flight and give a distinctive, repetitive call at dusk. Populations in parts of Japan have declined where early successional habitats have diminished.
Grey nightjar specimen in the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
A resting grey nightjar
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
buoyant with short rapid wingbeats and glides, moth-like
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, displaying and calling at dusk from perches or in flight. Nests on the ground without a constructed nest, relying on camouflage; usually lays two eggs. Likely monogamous with both parents involved in incubation and chick care. Roosts during the day on the ground or low branches, remaining motionless when approached.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A repetitive, mechanical series of clear notes, often rendered as chik-koi or kyik-kyik phrases delivered at dusk and night. Also gives soft churring trills, clicks, and wing claps during display flights.
