Väljaheitele

Väljaheitele, also known as the "Estonian Nightjar," is a small, nocturnal bird species native to the forests of Estonia and Finland. It is one of the smallest birds in the world, with a body length of about 14-16 centimeters and a wingspan of 28-32 centimeters. The species is characterized by its long, pointed wings and a distinctive, upward-curved bill.

The Estonian Nightjar is a secretive bird, known for its elusive nature and the difficulty in observing it in the wild. It is primarily active during the night, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates. The bird's call is a soft, melodious "tju" or "tju-tju," which is often heard in the early morning hours.

The species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving and restoring suitable forest habitats, as well as monitoring population trends to better understand the bird's status and requirements.

The Estonian Nightjar plays an important role in its ecosystem, contributing to the control of insect populations and serving as a food source for other birds of prey. Despite its small size and elusive nature, the species is an important indicator of the health of its forest habitats.