Nightjars

This family of birds is ideal for our research, because adults, eggs and chicks seem to use different kinds of camouflage. Each species has a preferred habitat in which it breeds: for example, fiery-necked nightjars nest in woodlands, Mozambique nightjars in open fields, and freckled nightjars on rocky outcrops. This gives us the opportunity to compare camouflage patterns that have evolved in different habitats.

Species of study include:
Fiery-necked nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)
Freckled nightjar (Caprimulgus tristigma)
Mozambique nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii)
Pennant-winged nightjar (Macrodipteryx vexillarius)