The truth about the ‘flying toad'
Cage & Aviary Birds|December 04, 2019
Odd local names and weird superstitions can’t hide the beauty and elegance of the nightjar, a species that has made a fascinating subject in a few zoo collections, reveals BILL NAYLOR
Bill Naylor
The truth about the ‘flying toad'

FEW birds have been given as many country names as the European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) and probably only owls are surrounded with more superstition.

The bird’s generic name Caprimulgus means “goatsucker”, and that was once its common English name. Since ancient times, people have believed that nightjars drink milk from the udders of sleeping goats and cows, infecting them with disease. In Devon, the bird was known as the night swallow, whereas Lancastrians, referring to its wide gape, called it the flying toad.

The nightjar is a bird of the twilight, active mainly at sunset and sunrise, and only flying occasionally during the day. It spends the daylight hours on the ground, preferably in glades or on the edge of woodlands. Its ideal location is among bracken or camouflaged among the “furze” (gorse), hence the names furze owl and fern hawk.

When perched in a tree, a nightjar often positions itself lengthways on a stout branch, eyes half-closed, its small feet hidden and its plumage merging with the tree lichen and bark. This ability to camouflage themselves is similar to that of the nightjar’s relations, the frogmouths. It’s also no coincidence that nightjars have long wings, short beaks and wide gapes, like swifts, for they’re also related.

This story is from the December 04, 2019 edition of Cage & Aviary Birds.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 04, 2019 edition of Cage & Aviary Birds.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CAGE & AVIARY BIRDSView All
The World's Best-Known Hummingbird?
Cage & Aviary Birds

The World's Best-Known Hummingbird?

Intensively studied, the gem-like Anna’s hummingbird is a welcome visitor to the gardens of America’s most populous state: California. Bill Naylor investigates its life history

time-read
5 mins  |
December 18, 2019
The charm of the English Cinnamon
Cage & Aviary Birds

The charm of the English Cinnamon

Despite its long and complicated history, the true Cinnamon canary is still with us – in the hands of a tiny group of breeders. DONALD SKINNER-REID reckons it deserves wider appreciation

time-read
4 mins  |
December 24, 2019
Spangles: a personal overview
Cage & Aviary Birds

Spangles: a personal overview

FRED WRIGHT relates a budgie story of over-exploitation, consequent problems and abundant potential for the future

time-read
4 mins  |
December 24, 2019
New converts to old breeds
Cage & Aviary Birds

New converts to old breeds

Old and rare canaries have a reputation for adding fresh interest and challenge to the hobby. PETE HOOK and NICK JOY agree, and explain the birds’ charm to Dave Brown

time-read
3 mins  |
December 24, 2019
Themed aviaries are a hit with the public at annual Stafford show
Cage & Aviary Birds

Themed aviaries are a hit with the public at annual Stafford show

DECORATIVE AVIARY DISPLAYS from a CBS and an online bird keeping advice group were voted in the top three by visitors for the inaugural Stafford Aviary Competition.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2019
Pieds with potential
Cage & Aviary Birds

Pieds with potential

More than just a lesser variety, the dominant pied will introduce challenge and change into most studs, reckons CLIVE WAKEMAN. Here he discusses pairings to try and others to avoid

time-read
3 mins  |
December 18, 2019
Club News
Cage & Aviary Birds

Club News

Welcome to the club and show pages – the bit that’s all about you Results: convention, specialist & rare and Breeder of the Year

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2019
Canaries Month by Month:
Cage & Aviary Birds

Canaries Month by Month:

With Christmas around the corner, BRIAN KEENAN is well into his winter programme, and reckons he might deserve a nice outcross

time-read
4 mins  |
December 18, 2019
Smart Choice, Docile Nature
Cage & Aviary Birds

Smart Choice, Docile Nature

Dave Brown welcomes the masked grassfinch to his birdroom and shares advice on this lovely Australian species

time-read
3 mins  |
December 04, 2019
The truth about the ‘flying toad'
Cage & Aviary Birds

The truth about the ‘flying toad'

Odd local names and weird superstitions can’t hide the beauty and elegance of the nightjar, a species that has made a fascinating subject in a few zoo collections, reveals BILL NAYLOR

time-read
5 mins  |
December 04, 2019