Rare Nightjar Found in Belfast: Elusive Bird Sighting!

Nightjar populations in Ireland, once common, have shown a recent sign of recovery after being thought to have effectively disappeared, according to a new report.

Nightjar Recovery in Ireland

The nightjar, known as túirne lín – meaning spinning wheel – in Irish due to the male’s distinctive churring call, diminished dramatically across Ireland in the latter half of the 20th Century.

The decline is attributed to habitat loss and pesticide use, as nightjars primarily feed on insects. A 2024 report indicated a general consensus that the species had been lost from the island.

However, a survey coordinated by Birdwatch Ireland’s Conservation Officer, John Lusby, revealed a small number of nightjars in the southeast of Ireland, described as the “last remaining stronghold.”

Researchers concentrated their study on counties Kilkenny and Wexford, recording “hundreds of hours” of birdsong. They detected nightjar calls from two survey sites and confirmed one successful breeding pair.

A wider study incorporating Waterford and Tipperary subsequently captured footage of the breeding pair’s nest using a drone with a thermal sensor. The nest’s location is being kept confidential to avoid disturbance.

Lusby expressed surprise at a recent sighting as far north as Belfast, noting that nightjars are elusive and may be present in undetected areas.

The results of Birdwatch Ireland’s 2025 nightjar survey are expected to be released within weeks.