Data and code from: Migratory nightjars roost on asphalt to reduce thermoregulatory costs and increase fuel accumulation

This dataset includes standard measurements and individual observations of red-necked nightjars (Caprimulgus ruficollis) taken during capturing sessions. Data on the date of capture, substrate type where nightjars were captured, temperature and percentage of moon face illuminated of that night, and time elapsed since sunset until capture are also included in the dataset. Fieldwork was carried out between 2011 and 2018 (8 years) in a protected area of the Doñana Natural Park (Spain). Nightjars were captured during the night (1-6 h after sunset) along a road network (7.27 km of asphalt and 17.67 km of gravel roads) using a butterfly net and measured for standard morphological traits.