Caprimulgus europaeus
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Subkingdom: | Eumetazoa |
| Superphylum: | Deuterostomia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Infraphylum: | Gnathostomata |
| Superclass: | Tetrapoda |
| Class: | Aves |
| Subclass: | Passerae |
| Superorder: | Strigimorphae |
| Order: | Strigiformes |
| Suborder: | Caprimulgi |
| Superfamily: | Caprimulgoidea |
| Family: | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus: | Caprimulgus |
Caprimulgus europaeus is a crepuscular and nocturnal bird in the nightjar family that breeds across most of Europe and temperate Asia. The Latin generic name refers to the old myth that the nocturnal nightjar suckled goats, causing them to cease to give milk. All populations are migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. Their densely patterned grey and brown plumage makes individuals difficult to see in the daytime when they rest on the ground or perch motionless along a branch, although the male shows white patches in the wings and tail as he flies at night.
Common name(s): European nightjar, Eurasian nightjar, Nightjar
Common name(s): European nightjar, Eurasian nightjar, Nightjar
Sightings Heatmap
If you think any of the above information is incorrect, or would like to discuss this species, please use the comments box below.