SAEDNEWS: On World Migratory Bird Day, an exciting piece of news emerged: the Egyptian Nightjar—a bird so perfectly camouflaged that it seemingly vanishes into nature—has been spotted in Gilan after 60 years. What makes this mysterious bird so remarkable, and why is its presence in Iran considered a major environmental event?
According to the Saed News social affairs service, citing Fararu, recent days have brought joyful news for nature and birdwatching enthusiasts in Iran: the Egyptian Nightjar (Caprimulgus aegyptius), one of the rare migratory species, has been observed once again in Gilan Province after approximately 60 years of absence.
Fararu reports that this event coincided with World Migratory Bird Day and indicates the relative health of Gilan’s natural habitats for sensitive species. But what exactly is the Egyptian Nightjar?
The Egyptian Nightjar (Caprimulgus aegyptius) belongs to the nightjar family (Caprimulgidae) and the order Caprimulgiformes. Its name “Egyptian” reflects its primary distribution in North Africa, especially Egypt, although it is also found in Southwest Asia. In Persian, it is sometimes called the “Desert Nightjar,” referring to its preference for open, arid habitats. This species was first described in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus and is considered a small, nocturnal bird.
The Egyptian Nightjar is a small to medium-sized bird, measuring around 25 cm in length and weighing between 60–80 grams. Its plumage is very pale and sandy-colored, distinguishing it from the Common Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus). Its feathers, in shades of beige, light gray, and pale brown with wavy patterns, are designed for perfect camouflage in desert environments.
Its large, black eyes, adapted for hunting in darkness, and a short, broad beak with sensitive bristles for catching insects are among its notable features. Its long wings and medium-length tail produce soft, fluttering sounds in flight, reminiscent of a “skip” in the air. Males and females are similar in appearance, but males attract attention with distinctive calls during the breeding season.
This species primarily nests in sandy and semi-arid deserts of North Africa (Egypt, Libya, Algeria) and Southwest Asia (from Saudi Arabia to Iran and Pakistan). It prefers open areas with sparse vegetation, such as sandy plains, dunes, or desert edges, often near limited water sources.
The Egyptian Nightjar is migratory: it spends summers in northern regions (such as Iran) and winters in tropical Africa (Sudan, Ethiopia). In Iran, sightings are rare, with the last official record in Gilan dating back to the 1960s. Recent observations in Gilan’s open areas, such as plains near the Caspian Sea, suggest its migration route through the Middle East.
Like other nightjars, it is nocturnal and crepuscular, resting camouflaged on the ground during the day—the plumage blends so well with sand that it is difficult to spot at close range. Its diet consists mainly of flying insects, such as beetles, moths, and grasshoppers, which it captures mid-flight. Its flight is smooth and undulating, and it communicates with soft “chirr” or whispering calls.
Nesting is simple: without building a structure, the eggs (usually two) are laid directly on sand or soil. The breeding season occurs in spring and summer, with both parents participating in incubation (21–24 days) and feeding the chicks. Fledglings take flight after 20–30 days.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Egyptian Nightjar is classified as “Least Concern” due to its wide distribution and relatively stable population. However, threats such as habitat destruction from urban development, agriculture, tourism in deserts, and illegal hunting have reduced local populations. In Iran, as a rare migratory species, it is protected under environmental laws, and recent sightings can support further research.
The return after 60 years is not only exciting for birdwatchers but also serves as a reminder of the importance of biodiversity conservation. Gilan, with its wet and migratory-friendly plains, can act as a bridge for desert species like the Egyptian Nightjar. Environmental experts emphasize that protecting natural areas, such as national parks, is key to the survival of such species.
