Caprimulgidae (night-hawks, nightjars; class Aves, order Caprimulgiformes) A family of grey-brown, long-winged birds that have white patches on the wings and tail, elongated retrices, and in some species inner primaries. The middle toe is pectinate. They inhabit deserts, open wooded areas, and forests, and are ground-nesting. Many are migratory. Caprimulgus species are typical nightjars: aerial insectivores, they are nocturnal or crepuscular and make a variety of churring and whistling sounds. Caprimulgus vociferus (whip-poor-will) is named after its call. There are 19 genera, with 75–80 species, found world-wide.

night·jar / ˈnītˌjär/ • n. a nocturnal insectivorous bird (Caprimulgus and other genera) with gray-brown camouflaged plumage, large eyes and gape, and a distinctive call. Also called goatsucker. The nightjar family also includes the nighthawks, pauraques, poor-wills, whip-poor-wills, and chuck-will's-widow.

nightjars See CAPRIMULGIDAE; CAPRIMULGIFORMES.

nightjar Insect-eating, nocturnal bird found worldwide. It has a whirring cry. Length: 27cm (10.5in). Family Caprimulgidae.