nightjar

Nightjar refers to a group of birds in the family Caprimulgidae, a large, globally distributed family of nocturnal or crepuscular insectivores. There are about 100 species, ranging in size from small to medium. Nightjars have long wings, short but strong legs, and very small feet. Their plumage is cryptic, with browns, grays, and blacks that resemble bark, helping them blend into tree limbs and the ground during daytime roosting. They often appear, at first glance, as shadowy silhouettes.

Behavior and diet are adapted to low light. Nightjars hunt by catching insects in flight, especially moths and beetles, using wide gapes and agile wingbeats. They typically forage at dusk, at night, or just before dawn. They are generally silent during the day and can be heard at night through distinctive calls and songs, which vary by species. Some species undertake long migrations, while others are resident in their ranges.

Reproduction occurs on or near the ground. Nightjars lay two eggs on a bare or sparsely vegetated surface, with little to no formal nest structure. Both parents incubate and care for the young, which fledge after a few weeks and remain dependent for a short period.

Habitat varies by species but includes open woodlands, scrublands, grasslands, deserts, and forest edges. Nightjars favor places that provide good perches for sitting by day and open spaces for catching flying insects at night. The name nightjar derives from their nocturnal activity and distinctive churring calls. In some regions, species such as the common nightjar and whip-poor-will illustrate the group’s global diversity.