Scientific name: Caprimulgus ruficollis Temminck, 1820
Bird group: Nightjars
Field characters. 31 cm. Resembles European Nightjar. Main distinguishing characters are slightly larger size, overall lighter colouring, rufous colours in neck and side of head and more white on throat. Both sexes have white spots on wingtips and outer tail feathers. Often soars on V-raised wings, but Nightjar may show similar behaviour. Habits like Nightjar.
Voice. Song different from European Nightjar: a repeated and monotonous 'kootuk kootuk'.
Distribution. Summer visitor. Locally common in SW Europe.
Habitat. Dry forest with clearings, open sandy places near maquis, groves, orchards, open oak woods, etc.
Food. Insectivorous. Mainly moths, beetles, locusts and flies.