Species profile
About this species
The Egyptian Nightjar is a medium-sized nocturnal bird belonging to the nightjar family Caprimulgidae, found across arid & semi-arid regions of North Africa & the Middle East. It is well camouflaged with pale sandy-brown plumage that blends seamlessly with desert & stony ground, making it extremely difficult to spot during daylight hours. It feeds on insects caught in flight, typically becoming active at dusk & dawn.
The Egyptian Nightjar inhabits arid & semi-arid desert landscapes, including sandy plains, stony desert scrub, & dry open country with sparse vegetation across North Africa, the Middle East & into Central Asia.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Egyptian Nightjar with us in Morocco.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
The best time to photograph the Egyptian Nightjar is at dusk & dawn during the spring & summer months, particularly between April & August when birds are most active & breeding activity increases opportunities for observation.
Use a long telephoto lens of at least 400mm to photograph this species from a respectful distance without disturbing its roosting behaviour. Shoot during the golden hour at dusk when the bird becomes active & the warm light complements its sandy plumage tones. A fast shutter speed of 1/1000s or higher is recommended when capturing the bird in flight, & a wide aperture will help in low-light conditions.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Egyptian Nightjar
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.