Poorwill

The poorwill is a small nocturnal bird belonging to the genus Phalaenoptilus, which is the sole genus in the family Caprimulgidae, the nightjars. There are two recognized subspecies of the poorwill, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii nuttallii and Phalaenoptilus nuttallii californicus. This bird is found in the western United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Poorwills are insectivores, primarily feeding on moths, beetles, and other flying insects caught in flight during the night. Their plumage is mottled brown and gray, providing excellent camouflage against the ground during the day. They typically nest on the ground, often in shallow depressions under shrubs.

The poorwill is notable for being one of the few birds known to enter a state of torpor, a form of hibernation. During periods of cold weather or food scarcity, they can significantly lower their metabolic rate, heart rate, and body temperature for extended durations, sometimes lasting for months. This remarkable adaptation allows them to survive harsh environmental conditions when food is scarce. The discovery and study of this torpor were significant in understanding avian hibernation.