The nightjar is a mysterious nocturnal bird that has declined by 25% since 1981, requiring targeted heathland and forestry management for its recovery.
Individual nightjars face welfare risks from ground nesting in habitats with increasing human recreational pressure. Nest trampling by walkers and dogs is a significant source of breeding failure. Adults disturbed from incubating eggs experience acute fear and energetic cost. Nest abandonment following disturbance is more likely in early incubation, representing a complete loss of investment. The welfare of nightjar chicks depends on adequate invertebrate prey including moths and beetles, which are declining in parallel with nightjar populations. Conservation management that creates optimal habitat and reduces disturbance directly improves individual bird welfare and population outcomes.