How do nightjars like the chuck-will's-widow use distraction displays to protect their nests?

The nightjar, specifically the chuck-will's-widow, uses distraction displays to protect its nests by employing a strategy of deceptive behavior. When an intruder approaches, the mother nightjar will throw herself onto the ground, ruffling her feathers and pretending to be injured while leading the potential threat away from the nest. Once she has lured the intruder to a safe distance, she quickly regains her composure and returns to her young^[1].

This behavior is a remarkable adaptation that allows these birds to safeguard their offspring from predators without directly confronting them, showcasing their instinctual ingenuity^[1].