Birds are one of the most popular models in biological research. However, our knowledge about this group is to a great extent based on a very limited number of species that have been intensively studied because of their high tolerance to capture and handling, among other reasons. This bias is particularly severe in temperate zone species that breed in artificial nest boxes. Monitoring non-conventional taxa with scientific purposes generally poses a major challenge to researchers, but may however reveal alternative life strategies that deviate from the standard assumptions and thereby contribute to a more complete picture of the actual diversity of this group. In this talk, I will present the results of the work carried out by the Estación Biológica de Doñana over the last decade with one of the least known European birds: the red-necked nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis).