The importance of Breckland heaths and moth communities for breeding Nightjar

Breckland is one of the most important parts of the UK for breeding Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, one of the species for which the area was designated a Special Protection Area. However, the local population of this migratory bird fell by a third between 1998 and 2010 against a national trend of rising numbers. This paper presents the findings of a study undertaken to try and identify the reasons for this decline and specifically consider the significance of Breckland grass heaths and their associated moths for Nightjars.