©Mohammed AlThani & Hamad AlKhulaify

 The Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius is one of the two nightjar species that occur in the State of Qatar (the other being Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus), and a favorite among local birders. Being a numerous and long-staying visitor during the summer months, the breeding of this species in Qatar has been suspected for many years. However, due to this species’ secretive behavior, and cryptic plumage, it has proven difficult to obtain sufficient evidence of breeding, and until recently has remained a mystery. Finally, after years of searching for evidence, a historic discovery on May 5, 2024, confirmed suspicions and cemented this species as a confirmed breeder in Qatar.

The breeding was first observed in the desert of northern Qatar by Hamad Al-Khulaify and later followed by Mohammed Al-Thani. Together, these skilled birders found three pairs of Egyptian Nightjars nesting and were able to capture clear photographic evidence of this occurrence. This rare and very exciting finding marks a breakthrough in our knowledge of the Egyptian Nightjar in Qatar and brings us one step closer to understanding this bird’s obscure and mysterious life.