nattravn Caprimulgus europaeus

Masterfully camouflaged nightbird. Shape resembles a cuckoo or falcon, but plumage is cryptic, like dead leaves. Patterning varies subtly over wide range. Male has white tail corners and white band on the wing. Active at night and rarely seen by chance, but might be flushed from daytime roost on the ground. Loud churring song at dusk and night may draw attention. Favors open habitats, from dry plains to forest clearings. Hunts from a perch on the ground or a tree, sallying out and flying with agile, rather jerky wingbeats.