Common Cuckoo vs Eurasian Nightjar

In short

The Common Cuckoo and Eurasian Nightjar are distinct in appearance and behavior, though both can be elusive. The cuckoo is a slender, long-tailed bird with a distinctive grey and white plumage, while the nightjar is cryptically patterned for camouflage. Their vocalizations are also different, with the cuckoo's familiar 'cuckoo' call and the nightjar's churring song.

Identification tips

1. Listen for calls: The cuckoo's 'cuckoo' call is unmistakable, while the nightjar's churring is distinctive at dusk. 2. Observe plumage: Look for the cuckoo's grey and white coloration versus the nightjar's cryptic mottling. 3. Note behavior: Cuckoos are more often seen in daylight, while nightjars are active at dusk and night. 4. Check habitat: Cuckoos prefer open woodlands, nightjars are found in heathlands and open forests.

Size

The Common Cuckoo is generally larger and more slender than the Eurasian Nightjar, with a longer tail.

Plumage

The Common Cuckoo has a sleek grey upper body and barred white underparts, while the Eurasian Nightjar has mottled brown and grey plumage for camouflage. Male nightjars have white patches on the wings and tail, absent in females.

Behaviour

The Common Cuckoo is often seen perched conspicuously or flying between trees, whereas the Eurasian Nightjar is more often observed at dusk or night, flying low to the ground.

Habitat

The Common Cuckoo is found in open woodlands and edges, while the Eurasian Nightjar prefers heathlands, moorlands, and open forests, often in lowland areas.

Voice

The Common Cuckoo is known for its repetitive 'cuckoo' call, while the Eurasian Nightjar produces a distinctive churring song at dusk.