Three churrs for Nightjars – we celebrate a record-breaking year! - RSPB

Latest figures reveal the highest ever number of Nightjars recorded on RSPB nature reserves.

The highest ever number of Nightjars have been recorded on RSPB nature reserves in the UK. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of reserve teams, volunteers and supporters, a record total of 211 were counted in 2024.

Helping a remarkable bird

Nightjars are nocturnal birds, that migrate to breed in the UK each summer from their wintering grounds in Central Africa, arriving in late April and May before leaving by August and September. 

Exceptionally well-camouflaged, Nightjars are notoriously difficult to see. Their grey-brown mottled plumage creates the illusion of bark, helping them blend into the ground where they nest. These unique-looking birds feed on the wing, flying with their mouths open to catch insects which they find with their excellent eyesight.

Providing the habitat they need

Work to restore the heathland habitat that Nightjars need is helping to turn around their fortunes. Lowland heathland supports a wide range of wildlife but is one of the UK’s most threatened homes for nature, with 80% of this habitat lost in the UK since the 1800s. 

Typically found on lowland heathland, Nightjar numbers previously declined due to habitat loss and the fragmentation of connected heathland areas. Work by the RSPB and other conservation organisations to halt the decline has seen the species move from the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List to the Amber List. For this, species are assigned to either a Green, Amber or Red list based on increasing levels of conservation concern. The Amber list considers factors including moderate population declines, rarity, localisation and international importance.