Species:

Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)

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Length (cm):
28-34
26-28
Wingspan (cm):
56-60
57-64
Weight (gram):
213-450
65-100
Size group:
Crow-size
Thrush-size
Main Texts:
Appearance:

Small and dark grebe, with squarish head and thin, uptilted bill. Adult breeding plumage distinct, with unique combination of black head and neck, and a spray of golden, fan-like feathers from eye to nape. Winter plumage birds are easily confused with Slavonian Grebe, but note dark, rear cheek-patch, and darker collar. Head profile distinct, with its steep forehead. In winter plumage highest point is above the eye, as opposed to nape in Slavonian. Much more contrasting plumage than Little Grebe. Avoids to take wing if possible.

Sound:

Territorial song a disyllabic, flute-like "zoeeee-chk". First part drawn, ascending and plaintive, second part descending and clipping. Timbre is unpure. Other calls include chittering and trilling calls resembling Slavonian or Little Grebe.

Song:

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Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

CC

CC-photo:Agustín Povedano, Licence,Link.

CC-sound:Patrik Åberg, Licence,Link.

Appearance:

Falcon or cuckoo-like, nocturnal bird with long tail and slender, pointed wings. Unmistakable when seen in areas where no other species of nightjars occur, or when singing. Hard to distinguish from Red-necked Nightjar in the field, but smaller size, smaller head compared to body and shorter tail give indications. If plumage is seen clearly, note general tone (grey brown), dark front edge of arm, broader upper wing-bar and small white throat patch.

Sound:

Song unique among birds, but quite similar to Mole cricket. A mechanical, continuous slur, like the sound of a distant motorbike. As opposed to the Mole Cricket, it often "shifts gear" by changing pitch to a note approximately a fourth below the drone. Flight call a peculiar "kew-eek", with a nasal and frog-like timbre.

Song:

Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file


Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

CC-photo:Andrej Chudy, Licence,Link,

CC-Photo:Paul Cools, Licence,Link.

Similar species (image):
Similar species (sound):
Silhouette Group:
Loons/grebes
Silhouette
Swallow-like
Silhouette
Several different images of the species
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Several different sounds of the species
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file