Egyptian Nightjar
Caprimulgus aegyptius Lichtenstein, MHK, 1823 (1, 1)
Photo © Roger Riddington - Pool of Virkie, Shetland, 5 September 2026
STATUS
Eurasia and Africa. Polytypic.
OVERVIEW
Apparently, for identification there is no broad dark median crown-stripe as in other Western Palearctic nightjars.
The first two records occurred 101 years apart but in the same month. The third record broke the mould and appeared in autumn.
Regarding the first record there is a stone to mark the spot where the bird fell in Thieves Wood, near Rainworth, Mansfield.
RECORDS
1). 1883 Nottinghamshire Thieves Wood, near Ravenswoth, shot, 23rd June, now at Mansfield Museum.
(J. Whitaker, Zoologist 1883: 374-375; J. H. Gurney, jun., Ibis 26: 173-174; J. E. Harting, Field 15th Sept., 1883: 393; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1884: 51; O. V. Aplin, Naturalist 13: 200; Whitaker, 1907; F. C. R. Jourdain, British Birds 26: 313; Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 2001: plate 16).
2). 1984 Dorset Portland Bill, 10th June.
(M. J. Rogers and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 84: 478; G. Walbridge, British Birds 92: 155-161).
P). 2026 Shetland Pool of Virkie, Mainland, 5th to 6th September, photo.
(birding information services).
