Nightjar: Heathland Welfare Science 2025

Key Welfare Facts

Nightjars are ground-nesting summer migrants whose breeding welfare depends entirely on open heathland and woodland edge.
They declined by 42% in the UK in the twentieth century but have partially recovered with heathland management.
Nocturnal birds are highly vulnerable to disturbance from dog walkers and recreation during incubation and chick-rearing.
Churring display by males is metabolically costly and performed throughout warm summer nights for territory defence.
Habitat management maintaining open heathland with sparse vegetation and bare patches is essential for nest sites.
Climate change is enabling northward range expansion with birds now breeding in northern England.

Welfare Assessment

Nightjar welfare depends on protecting heathland nest sites from disturbance during the breeding season and maintaining open habitat structure through active management. Keeping dogs on leads on heathland from May to August prevents nest desertion and chick abandonment.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs on leads on heathland between May and August to protect ground-nesting birds
Support heathland management including controlled burning and scrub clearance for open structure
Donate to organisations managing nightjar breeding sites through active habitat work
Attend organised nightjar watching events to experience these birds without causing disturbance