About Nightjars and Allies

Overview

Caprimulgiformes are the nightjars and their allies, crepuscular and nocturnal birds of forests, woodlands and open country worldwide, with about 98 species. They have large eyes, a tiny beak flanked by an enormous gape for catching insects on the wing, and soft, cryptically patterned plumage. Nightjars rest by day on branches or the ground, superbly camouflaged. They are among the most astonishingly camouflaged of all birds and are important nocturnal insectivores.

Classification

The order Nightjars and Allies (Latin: CAPRIMULGIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 98 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Caprimulgiformes are the nightjars and their allies, crepuscular and nocturnal birds of forests, woodlands and open country worldwide, with about 98 species.

Notable Families

Nightjars and others.