The nightjar is a specialist heathland and forest edge bird whose welfare depends on adequate insect prey and undisturbed breeding on open ground.
Nightjar welfare is closely tied to the availability of both suitable nesting habitat and adequate aerial insect prey. Ground nesting makes nightjar eggs and chicks particularly vulnerable to trampling by livestock, off-road vehicles, and walkers with dogs. Night-flying aerial insects, which are themselves declining due to light pollution, pesticides, and habitat loss, provide the energetic base that nightjars depend on for breeding success. Management of heathlands and forest edges through targeted scrub clearance and grazing maintains the open habitats nightjars require, while reducing light pollution near breeding sites protects their nocturnal prey base.