In the tropical parts of Central and South America, from Mexico to Brazil, as well as in the Antilles, you can find a bird that can lie very convincingly. Her name is the Gigantic Nightjar. The grayish-brown plumage of these birds perfectly camouflages them against the background of tree bark. I suggest you find out interesting information about this amazing bird.

GRAY GIANT Nightjar (Nyctibius griseus) is the most common bird of the Gigantic Nightjar family.
The gray nightjar lives from southern Mexico to Argentina and Paraguay, and is also found on some Antilles (except Cuba) and on the island of Trinidad.

The giant gray nightjar is a large bird. Its body length is about 35 cm. The color of the plumage is dominated by gray colors with black spots and stripes. The tail is long, the legs are very short.

The gray nightjar begins nesting in different parts of its range at different times: in April - in Suriname, in July - in Trinidad, and in Brazil the bird nests in November - December. The bird usually lays its only white egg with markings in a small depression on the top of a broken tree trunk. The nest can be located very low above the ground, sometimes at a height of up to 15 m.

Unlike other birds, the gray potoo incubates the egg in an upright position, covering its single egg with fluffy breast feathers. The duration of incubation is about a month. The chick is born covered with white down and stays in the nest for a long time, almost two months. On average, from the beginning of incubation of the egg until the chick flies, as a rule, at least 70 days pass.

Like all other species of gigantic nightjars, the gray potoo leads a solitary and nocturnal lifestyle. It is not easy to notice in the daytime, when it sits motionless, resembling a tree limb, which is also helped by their camouflage protective plumage coloring. When the bird is calm, its head is extended and its closed beak is directed forward; but if she is alarmed or notices an enemy somewhere, then her whole body immediately becomes tense and leans forward a little, the beak opens slightly and stretches straight up. The gray potoo is so confident in its invisibility that you can carefully approach it close to it, and sometimes even touch the frozen bird.

The gray nightjar feeds mainly on insects, which it catches at night in the manner of flycatchers, i.e. sits quietly for some time on a protruding branch, then takes off for prey and returns to its observation post. Its diet is based on beetles, butterflies, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera and other invertebrates. The gray nightjar is especially active on moonlit nights, when moonlight helps to hunt. From time to time at night, the giant gray nightjar emits a peculiar abrupt song, vaguely reminiscent of barking.

It is not easy to notice him in the daytime, when he sits motionless, resembling a tree branch. When the bird is calm, its head is extended and its closed beak is directed forward; but if she is alarmed, then her whole body is tense and slightly leaned forward, the beak is slightly open and directed straight up. You can, by approaching carefully, sometimes even touch the bird. The gray nightjar eats insects, which it catches at night in the manner of flycatchers, i.e. sits quietly for some time on a protruding branch, then takes off for prey and returns to its observation post. Its main food is beetles, hymenoptera, orthoptera, etc. The gray nightjar is especially active on moonlit nights. You can sometimes recognize his presence by his peculiar abrupt “bark.”

In general, nightjars are a large group of birds, widespread mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe and leading a nocturnal lifestyle. The sizes are relatively small, most species weigh about 100 g, and only the largest representatives of the order - the guajaro - reach the size of a rook and weigh up to 400 g. Males and females are colored the same, and the color of nightjars is relatively uniform and in many ways resembles the color of the bark of various trees . One of the most characteristic features is a short and very wide beak with bristle-like vibrissae at the corners of the mouth - an adaptation for catching insects on the fly at night. The nocturnal lifestyle is also associated with the large size of very sensitive eyes and soft, loose plumage, like that of owls. All nightjars are excellent flyers. Their wings are long and pointed, with 10, less often 11, flight feathers. The tail is also long, with 6 pairs of tail feathers. In flight, nightjars somewhat resemble hawks and partly swallows.

The legs are short, and on the ground these birds move mostly slowly, with awkward jumps. Some nightjars (owl and giant nightjars) have powder spots in the area of ​​the upper tail that produce powdery fluff. Some species that live in deep caves are capable of echolocation. A number of species inhabiting temperate regions have been found to have the ability to fall into torpor with a decrease in body temperature and even hibernate. The distribution of most nightjars is limited to the tropics and subtropics, but some species in the northern hemisphere penetrate quite far to the north. Representatives of the order are distributed over all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. There are none in New Zealand, but recently a fossil owl nightjar was discovered there, which was very large in size and lived there in the Miocene.

Nightjars are monogamous birds. Reproduction begins at the end of the first year of life. Most species do not make nests; the female lays 1-4 eggs, which are usually white in color, directly on the ground or on the bottom of the hollow. Both parents participate in incubation. The chicks hatch already sighted, covered with thick short down (with the exception of guajaro). However, unlike brood birds, nightjars feed their chicks, and when feeding, the chicks cover the tip of the beak of the feeding bird with their wide beak. The order of nightjars is divided into 2 suborders. In total, the order has 23 genera with 93 species. Only 3 species of the genus Caprimulgus are found in Russia.

Nightjar- a numerous genus of birds that feed on insects and prefer life and daytime sleep. Often nightjars can only be seen near herds of animals. The bird's six subspecies vary, becoming smaller and paler east of its range. All populations migrate and winter in countries. Birds have excellent camouflage, allowing them to be well camouflaged. They are difficult to notice during the day when they lie on the ground or sit motionless along a branch.

Origin of the species and description

The description of the nightjar was included in the 10th volume of the system of nature by Carl Linnaeus (1758). Caprimulgus europaeus is a species of the genus Caprimulgus (nightjars), which, after a taxonomic revision in 2010, has 38 species, according to the bird's breeding areas in and Africa. Six subspecies have been established for the common nightjar, two of which are found in. Differences in color, size and weight are sometimes clinical in nature, and sometimes less pronounced.

Video: Nightjar

Interesting fact: The name nightjar (Caprimulgus) is translated as “goat milker” (from the Latin words capra - goat, mulgere - to milk). The concept is borrowed from the Roman scientist Pliny the Elder from his Natural History. He believed that these birds drink goat's milk at night, and in the future they can go blind and die from this.

Nightjars are quite often found near livestock on pasture, but this is most likely due to the presence of a large number of insects circling near the animals. The name, based on an erroneous theory, is not preserved in some European languages, including Russian.

Appearance and features

Nightjars reach a length of 26 to 28 cm, with a wingspan of 57 to 64 cm. They can weigh from 41 to 101 grams. The standard base body color is gray to reddish brown with complex cryptic markings of white, black and various shades of brown. The body shape resembles that of a falcon with long pointed wings and a long tail. Nightjars have brown beaks, dark red mouths and brown legs.

Adult males have white ventral pharynxes, often divided into two distinct areas by a gray or orange-brown vertical stripe. The wings are unusually long, but rather narrow. A bright white stripe appears in the last third of the underside of the wing. The outer feathers of the long tail are also white, while the middle feathers are dark brown. There is a white pattern on the side of the upper wing, but it is less noticeable. Basically, you can distinguish a pure white stripe and bright color of the plumage in the throat area.

The roughly identical and equally heavy females lack white markings on the wings and tail and a bright throat patch. In older females, the throat area is clearly lighter than the surrounding plumage, with more of a reddish-brown color there. The plumage of the chicks is very similar to that of the females, but is generally lighter and of lower contrast than that of the adult females. In flight, the bird looks much larger and looks like.

Flight on long pointed wings is silent due to their soft plumage and very smooth. Molting in adults occurs after reproduction; during migration, the process is suspended, and tail and summer feathers are replaced during wintering grounds from January to March. Immature birds use a similar moulting strategy to adults, unless they are from late broods, in which case the entire molt may occur in Africa.

Now you know the time when the nightjar flies out to hunt. Let's find out where this bird lives.

Where does the nightjar live?

The nightjar's distribution range extends from northwestern Africa to southwestern Eurasia east to the lake. Europe is almost entirely inhabited by this species, and it is also present on most Mediterranean islands. The nightjar is only absent from the , north , north and deep north , as well as the southern part of the Peloponnese. In Central Europe it is a rare spotted breeding bird; it is more often found in Eastern European countries.

Nightjars exist from the west to the eastern part of Russia and the east. Summer habitats range from Scandinavia in the north to North Africa and the Persian Gulf in the south. Birds migrate to breed in the northern hemisphere. They winter in Africa, primarily in the southern and eastern reaches of the continent. In winter, Iberian and Mediterranean birds nest in West Africa, and migrating individuals have been recorded.

The nightjar lives in dry, open landscapes with sufficient numbers of nocturnal flying insects. In Europe, its preferred habitats are heathland and it can also colonize light sandy pine forests with large open spaces. The bird is found, especially in southern and south-eastern Europe, in rocky and sandy areas and in small areas overgrown with bushes.

Nightjars are associated with a wide variety of habitat types, including:

• swamps;
• orchards;
• wetlands;
• boreal;
• hills;
• Mediterranean shrubs;
• young birch trees;
• poplars or coniferous plantations.

They do not like dense forest or high altitudes, but prefer other open or lightly forested areas free from daytime noise. Closed forest areas are avoided by all subspecies. Deserts without vegetation are also not suitable for them. In Asia, this species is regularly found at altitudes above 3000 m, and in wintering grounds even on the edge of the snow line at an altitude of about 5000 m.

What does the nightjar eat?

Nightjars prefer to hunt at dusk or at night. They catch flying insects with their wide mouths using short beaks. The victim is mostly captured in flight. Birds employ a variety of hunting methods, from the versatile, cunning exploratory flight to the hawk-like, furious hunting flight. Only shortly before catching up to its prey does the nightjar tear off its widely split beak and set up effective nets using obliquely projecting bristles that surround the beak. The bird rarely hunts on the ground.

The bird feeds on a variety of flying insects, which include:

• mole;
• dragonflies;
• cockroaches;
• mosquitoes;
• midges;
• mayfly;
• praying mantis;

Sand or fine gravel was often found in the stomachs of individuals examined by scientists. Which the nightjar consumes to help digest its prey and any plant material that is ingested unintentionally while hunting other food items. These birds hunt not only in their territories, but sometimes make rather long flights in search of food. Birds hunt in open habitats, forest clearings and forest edges.

Nightjars pursue prey in a light, sinuous flight, and drink by descending to the surface of the water during flight. They are attracted to insects concentrated around artificial lighting, near farm animals, or over standing bodies of water. These birds travel an average of 3.1 km from their nests to feed. Chicks may eat their own feces. Migrating birds survive on their fat reserves. Therefore, fat is stored before migration to help the birds travel south.

Features of character and lifestyle

Nightjars are not particularly sociable. They live in pairs during the mating season and can migrate in groups of 20 individuals or more. Same-sex flocks can form in Africa during the winter. Males are territorial and will vigorously defend their nesting grounds, fighting other males in the air or on the ground. During the daytime the birds are at rest and often sit facing the sun to minimize contrasting body shadow.

The nightjar's activity phase begins shortly after sunset and ends at dawn. If the food supply is sufficient, more time will be spent resting and cleaning at midnight. The bird spends the day resting on the ground, on stumps or on branches. In the breeding zone, the same resting place is usually visited for weeks. When danger approaches, the nightjar remains motionless for a long time. Only when the attacker has approached a minimum distance does the bird suddenly take off, but after 20-40 meters it calms down. During takeoff, an alarm sound and flapping of wings are heard.

Interesting fact: In cold and inclement weather, some species of nightjar can slow down their metabolism and will maintain this state for several weeks. A nightjar has been observed in captivity that could maintain a state of torpor for eight days without harm to its body.

Social structure and reproduction

Breeding occurs from late May to August, but in northwestern or western Africa it can occur much earlier. Returning males arrive approximately two weeks before females and divide territories by chasing intruders by flapping their wings and making intimidating sounds. Battles can take place in flight or on the ground.

The male's display flights involve a similar body position with frequent wing flapping as he follows the female in an upward spiral. If the female lands, the male continues to hover, swaying and fluttering, until his mate spreads his wings and tail for copulation. Mating sometimes occurs on higher ground rather than on the ground. In good habitat there may be 20 pairs per km².

The European nightjar is a bird. It does not build nests, and eggs are laid on the ground among plants or tree roots. The area may be bare soil, fallen leaves, or pine needles. This location has been in use for a number of years. The clutch contains, as a rule, one or two whitish eggs with spots of brown and gray shades. Eggs average 32 mm × 22 mm and weigh 8.4 g, of which 6% is shell.

Interesting fact: Several species of nightjars are known to lay eggs two weeks before the full moon, possibly because the insects are easier to catch when the moon is full. Research has shown that the phase of the moon is a factor for birds that lay eggs in June, but not for those that do so earlier. This strategy means that the second brood in July will also have a favorable lunar aspect.

Eggs are laid at intervals of 36–48 hours and are incubated primarily by the female, starting with the first egg. The male may incubate for short periods, especially at dawn or dusk. If the female is disturbed during breeding, she will run away from the nest, feigning a wing injury, until she distracts the intruder. Each egg hatches in 17–21 days. Fledging occurs after 16–17 days, and the chicks become independent from adults 32 days after hatching. A second brood may be raised by early breeding pairs, in which case the female leaves the first brood several days before they can fly on their own. Both parents feed the young insect pellets.

Natural enemies of nightjars

The mysterious coloration of this species allows the birds to hide themselves in broad daylight, perching motionless on a branch or stone. When threatened, nightjars feign injury to distract or lure predators away from their nests. Females sometimes lie motionless for long periods of time.

Estimates of the European nightjar population range from 470,000 to over 1 million birds, suggesting a total global population of 2 to 6 million individuals. Although there is a decline in overall numbers, it is not rapid enough to consider these birds vulnerable. The huge breeding range means that the species is classified as least endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Interesting fact: The largest breeding populations are in Russia (up to 500,000 pairs), Spain (112,000 pairs) and (60,000 pairs). Some population declines have been observed across much of the range, but particularly in northwestern Europe.

Loss of insects from pesticide use, combined with vehicle collisions and habitat loss, have contributed to the decline. Being a ground-nesting bird, nightjar susceptible to danger from domestic dogs, which can destroy the nest. Reproductive success is higher in remote areas. Where access is permitted, and especially where dog owners allow their pets to run free, successful nests tend to be located far from footpaths or human habitation.

You can easily prepare many different dishes with chicken, but steak is rightfully the most delicious. Can be done in a frying pan, grill, spit. Juicy and tender meat is obtained if you bake it in the oven. It is recommended to add spices, garlic and various sauces. Today we’ll look at the most popular recipes for cooking chicken steak in the oven and reveal the main secrets of how to cook steak.

Steak with vegetables

The dish includes:

• chicken fillet;
• onion;
• mozzarella cheese;
• garlic;
• green beans;
• Bulgarian pepper;
• zucchini;
• cherry tomatoes;
• carrot;
• pepper, salt;
• vegetable oil.

The composition is rich, the taste is amazing, the dish is healthy.

Cooking stages.

1. We beat the steaks a little, giving them shape, then you need to add spices and rub the pieces with garlic. While we are working on vegetables, the bird will have time to marinate perfectly.
2. Cut the cherry tomatoes into small pieces, grate the peeled carrots on a coarse grater, chop the onion finely, and the pepper into medium squares.
3. Next, clean the zucchini, cut into thin strips and grate the Mozzarella cheese.
4. Mix all the vegetables, after adding beans (fresh or frozen), add a little salt and place on chicken steaks, which are already quite ready to fry.
5. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Then sprinkle with cheese and put in the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

Chicken steak in 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• chicken breasts;
• herbs and spices;
• soy sauce;
• vegetable oil.

You don’t have much time, but you need to cook something tasty and unusual? Chicken breast fillets cook as quickly as possible. To do this, you need to prepare chicken breast steak in garlic, spices, and soy sauce in advance. 30 minutes is enough for the meat to soak in the aromatic gravy. And then everything is simple. Place the steaks in a container and into the oven.

Classic chicken steak in the oven

Components:

• chicken fillet;
• spices;
• mayonnaise;
• vegetable oil.

Marinate the bird for 40 minutes. Then you need to rub the pieces with mayonnaise and place them in a baking dish. Be sure to cover with foil and place in the oven for 40 minutes. You should pay attention to seasonings. It is better to use ground chili pepper, black pepper and Italian herbs, then the meat will be spicy and aromatic. Serve with any side dish to your taste. The dish turns out beautiful and appetizing.

Cut the fillet into thin pieces of 1.5-2 centimeters. This is enough for the meat to be well baked, juicy, soft and tender. Do not beat it too much, it should not fall apart, let the piece remain intact, and juiciness can be achieved by marinating the meat for 30-40 minutes. For baking, you can use different parts of the carcass: breasts, thighs. The second ones will be softer and juicier.

The wonderful taste and aroma, juiciness and tenderness of chicken steaks allows you to use this dish in everyday and holiday menus, and due to its easy preparation, for serving on an impromptu table when unexpected guests meet. Chicken meat is a nutritious and easily digestible product, one of the main components of the diet and children's diet. The calorie content of fried meat is about 197 kcal, while the meat contains about 2 g of fat and 23 g of protein.

Quickly cooked chicken steak is the best option for lunch, dinner, or a hearty breakfast. Our proposed recipe for marinade for chicken fried in a frying pan will help give the dish a spicy taste, extraordinary softness and cook the meat in a matter of minutes.

How to marinate chicken steak

Divide the chicken fillet into two parts, wrap it in food cellophane and lightly beat it. Mix 2 tbsp. l. soy sauce with 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil, 1.5 tbsp. balsamic vinegar, a few pinches of aromatic herbs, pepper and salt. Pour the prepared mixture over the chicken steaks, sprinkling each piece with chopped garlic, and leave the meat to marinate for 20 minutes.

How to properly cook chicken breast steak

To grill chicken steaks, heat a grill pan and lightly coat the bottom with vegetable oil. Remove the pieces of garlic from the meat, sprinkle the chicken with freshly ground pepper, salt, and a spicy herbal mixture, then place in a frying pan and fry for 3-5 minutes. from each side. You can serve salad, fresh or grilled vegetables as a side dish for chicken steaks.

Breaded chicken fillet

Another way to prepare juicy chicken steaks is to fry breaded chicken fillets. To prepare this dish, the fillet must be cut into large pieces along the grain, beaten and salted, then rolled successively in flour, egg and a breading mixture consisting of grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs and a pinch of chopped nutmeg. The prepared meat must be placed on a grill pan, in well-heated olive oil, and fried on both sides for 3-4 minutes. Ready-made chicken steaks can be supplemented with a side dish of vegetables and canned tomatoes.

No chicken steak fried in a pan or baked in the oven can compare with a steak cooked on the grill. , just taken off the grill, you can go to the Barbaris cafe - we offer a home delivery service in Kyiv.