How to Identify Caprimulgidae

Caprimulgidae is a animal family in the Animalia kingdom, order Caprimulgiformes, class Aves. The family contains 45 accepted species worldwide.

Key Identification Features

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Representative Caprimulgidae Species

How to identify Caprimulgus pectoralis Cuvier, 1816

Caprimulgus pectoralis Cuvier, 1816

Caprimulgus pectoralis Cuvier, 1816

The fiery-necked nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis) is an insectivorous nightjar …

How to identify Caprimulgus indicus Latham, 1790

Caprimulgus indicus Latham, 1790

Caprimulgus indicus Latham, 1790

Caprimulgus indicus, the jungle nightjar, is a small nightjar with distinct plum…

How to identify Caprimulgus aegyptius M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823

Caprimulgus aegyptius M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823

Caprimulgus aegyptius M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823

Caprimulgus aegyptius (Egyptian nightjar) is a small nocturnal nightjar native t…

How to identify Chordeiles nacunda (Vieillot, 1817)

Chordeiles nacunda (Vieillot, 1817)

Chordeiles nacunda (Vieillot, 1817)

Chordeiles nacunda, the nacunda nighthawk, is a large Neotropical nightjar with …

How to identify Antrostomus badius Bangs & Peck, 1908

Antrostomus badius Bangs & Peck, 1908

Antrostomus badius Bangs & Peck, 1908

Antrostomus badius, the Yucatan nightjar, is a bird found in the Yucatan Peninsu…

How to identify Caprimulgus atripennis Jerdon, 1845

Caprimulgus atripennis Jerdon, 1845

Caprimulgus atripennis Jerdon, 1845

Caprimulgus atripennis, or Jerdon's nightjar, is a nocturnal insect-eating night…

How to identify Caprimulgus affinis Horsfield, 1821

Caprimulgus affinis Horsfield, 1821

Caprimulgus affinis Horsfield, 1821

This bird is the savanna nightjar, a nightjar species with detailed descriptions…

How to identify Nyctidromus albicollis (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)

Nyctidromus albicollis (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)

Nyctidromus albicollis (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)

Nyctidromus albicollis, the common pauraque, is a medium-sized adaptable nocturn…

How to identify Chordeiles minor (J.R.Forster, 1771)

Chordeiles minor (J.R.Forster, 1771)

Chordeiles minor (J.R.Forster, 1771)

Chordeiles minor, the common nighthawk, is a crepuscular insect-eating bird nati…

How to identify Caprimulgus rufigena A.Smith, 1845

Caprimulgus rufigena A.Smith, 1845

Caprimulgus rufigena A.Smith, 1845

Caprimulgus rufigena is a Southern African nightjar with camouflaged plumage tha…

How to identify Nyctipolus hirundinaceus (von Spix, 1825)

Nyctipolus hirundinaceus (von Spix, 1825)

Nyctipolus hirundinaceus (von Spix, 1825)

Nyctipolus hirundinaceus, the pygmy nightjar, is a small nightjar with three sub…

How to identify Lurocalis semitorquatus (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)

Lurocalis semitorquatus (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)

Lurocalis semitorquatus (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)

Lurocalis semitorquatus, the short-tailed nighthawk, is a large short-tailed nig…

Browse all 45 Caprimulgidae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Caprimulgidae?

Caprimulgidae animals belong to the Caprimulgiformes order in the Animalia kingdom. The species has a distinct rufous (tawny) collar of feathers at the back of the neck, which gives it its common name. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Caprimulgidae?

Caprimulgidae is classified in the order Caprimulgiformes, class Aves, phylum Chordata. Like other nightjars, fiery-necked nightjars have long, stiff hair-like rictal bristles around their beak, which is usually a distinguishing feature for the group.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer

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