Poorwills

Poorwills are nocturnal birds belonging to the genus Phalaenoptilus within the family Caprimulgidae, which also includes nightjars. The most well-known species, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii, is found in western North America. They are characterized by their mottled brown and gray plumage, which provides excellent camouflage against the ground and bark. Poorwills have large eyes adapted for low-light conditions, a wide gape for catching insects in flight, and relatively short legs.

These birds are insectivores, primarily feeding on moths, beetles, and other flying insects caught on the wing during their nocturnal foraging. Their flight is often described as erratic and silent, aiding in their stealthy hunting. Poorwills are known for their distinctive call, a repetitive "poor-will, poor-will," which gives them their name.

Perhaps the most remarkable characteristic of the Poorwill is its ability to enter a state of torpor, a form of hibernation, during periods of food scarcity, particularly in winter. They can remain dormant for extended periods, sometimes for months, with their metabolic rate significantly reduced. This makes the Poorwill the only bird known to truly hibernate. They typically nest on the ground, laying their eggs in shallow scrapes.