Caprimulgiformes – Nightjars

A fascinating and often overlooked group of birds that includes nightjars, nighthawks, frogmouths, potoos, and oilbirds—all of which share a love for the night sky and a talent for blending into their surroundings. What sets them apart from other birds is their nocturnal lifestyle, unusual appearance, and superb camouflage. Most are active at night and rest during the day, relying on their earthy, mottled feathers to keep them hidden on tree branches or the forest floor. At first glance, some Caprimulgiformes might even look like part of a tree trunk or a pile of leaves—and that’s exactly how they survive in the wild.

One of the most recognizable members of this group is the nightjar, known for its large, dark eyes, soft plumage, and almost comically wide mouth. This “gaping” mouth helps them catch insects in flight, especially moths and beetles, which they scoop up while flying low over fields or forests at dusk. Unlike birds that rely on flashy colors or songs to stand out, nightjars stay quiet and still, only becoming active when the sun goes down. Some even make a soft, churring call at night, which can sound spooky or soothing, depending on your mood. They’re masters of invisibility, and bird watchers often walk right past them without ever noticing.

But not all Caprimulgiformes are shy and quiet. The oilbird, for example, is one of the few birds in the world that navigates using echolocation, like a bat. Native to South America, oilbirds live in dark caves and make clicking sounds to “see” in complete darkness. They’re also unusual because they eat fruit—especially oily ones like palm nuts—which gives them their name. Meanwhile, the potoo, found in Central and South America, has a haunting appearance with giant eyes and a gaping mouth. It sits completely motionless during the day, mimicking a broken branch so well that even predators miss it. At night, it comes alive, hunting flying insects and making eerie, echoing calls that sound straight out of a ghost story.