Nightjars arrive in the UK between April and May from Africa to raise their young.

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust says the bird can be identified by its "churring" call and looking for "cryptic, bark-like plumage", a flat head and a small bill.

Nightjars are tricky to spot in Norfolk due to their "cryptic" plumage (Image: P.Taszynski/Wikimedia Commons)

They are described as "almost mythical" by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds due to their camouflage, making them "invisible to most" in the daytime.

The birds' nocturnal nature makes encounters in broad daylight all the more rare.

Forestry England recognises the nightjar as a "nationally rare bird", classified as an "amber" species under the Red List for Birds.

For the best chance of seeing elusive nightjars in Norfolk, focus on the big heath-and-bog hotspots like Dersingham Bog and the Brecks heaths around Thetford.

Top nightjar hotspots in Norfolk

The Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve on the Sandringham Estate has been officially noted for nationally important numbers of breeding nightjar.

Surveys have recorded around 18 to 22 pairs in recent years, making it arguably Norfolk’s flagship nightjar site.

The Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve on the Sandringham Estate (Image: Newsquest)

Broad heather, birch scrub and wet bog give you classic churring at dusk and excellent chances of silhouettes hawking over the heath on warm evenings.

East Wretham Heath and other dry heaths near Thetford also make for a good spot to see nightjars.

East Wretham Heath, near Thetford (Image: Newsquest)

Best spots include conifer blocks and sandy rides.

Local guides even host "nightjar sessions" here as the success rates of spotting the elusive birds are so high.

When and how to spot nightjars

Birders should hit the heaths on warm, still nights from early June to late July, arriving on site about 30 minutes to 45 minutes after sunset.

It is recommended to walk across open heath or bog edges, periodically pausing and listening to try and hear a churring sound.

If you are not feeling so confident about your chances, another good option is to book a local birding guide to take you on a "nightjar walk".

© Eastern Daily Press