Nightjars

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds, widely distributed across the world except in Antarctica and some islands like the Seychelles. Known for their long wings, short legs, and tiny bills, they are also referred to as goatsuckers or bugeaters, feeding primarily on insects. They typically roost on roads and nest on the ground. Nightjars are masters of camouflage, with their plumage often mimicking the colors of bark or leaves, and some species even perch lengthwise along branches to enhance concealment. There are generally two subfamilies: the widespread typical nightjars and the New World's nighthawks, both featuring small feet and long wings, but the typical nightjars have additional facial bristles and softer feathers. One unique member, the common poorwill, can hibernate for extended periods. Systematics and classification have evolved with time, and recent taxonomical revisions have seen the nightjars' order, Caprimulgiformes, refined to exclude related families like potoos and frogmouths. Habitats vary from deserts to rainforests, with some species even adapting to mountainous regions. Migration patterns are not fully understood, but several species migrate seasonally. Conservation is challenging due to difficulty in studying these elusive birds, with some species at risk of extinction or poorly understood in terms of population, like the Vaurie's nightjar. Nightjars have also permeated culture and history, lending their name to various entities and featuring in popular songs by artists like Elton John and Sting.