The Caprimulgidae – Nightjars+ or Caprimulgidae – Nightjars & Allies are a family of ground nesting, medium sized, crepuscular or nocturnal birds, that have long pointed wings and are usually heavily camouflaged. They are of Type – crepuscular and are in the Order Caprimulgiformes. At the moment their only allies are New World species, so are not detailed any further here. Apart from being crepuscular, they have a few more unusual habits. They perch along the line of tree branches, instead of the normal crosswise, and this with their typically camouflaged plumage makes them very difficult to find during the day when they are resting. Another (bad and dangerous), habit is to rest or roost on tarmac roads, which are nice and warm on a late summer evening in Europe.
crepuscular nightjars