The European nightjar is a crepuscular and nocturnal insectivore of heathland and forest edge, with welfare dependent on management of open heathland habitat that provides nesting sites and hawking areas.
Nightjar welfare at breeding sites depends on undisturbed access to open heathland with abundant large moth and beetle prey. Ground-nesting on open heath makes nests vulnerable to trampling by walkers and dogs. Disturbance at nest sites causes incubating birds to flush, exposing eggs to temperature extremes during cool nights. Recreational pressure on heathland at dusk — when nightjars are most active — causes repeated disturbance during the critical chick-rearing period. Maintaining prey abundance through habitat management and reducing disturbance through path routing and dog control are the primary welfare interventions.