Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae
There are 15 genera within the family of which 3 are listed below. The mainly nocturnal nightjars and allies are found on almost every continent, except the polar regions. There are 90 species of which two are critically endangered: Jamaican Paraque Siphornis americana and the Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus. The Itombwe Nightjar Caprimulgus prigoginei and White-winged Nightjar Eleothreptus candicans are both considered endangered. The Sulawesi Eared-Nightjar Eurostopodus diabolicus, Nechisar Nightjar Caprimulgus solala, and Sunda Nightjar Caprimulgus concretus, are all considered vulnerable. Five species are listed as near-threatened.


Chordeiles

There are five species within this genus.

Common Nighthawks Chordeiles minor are highly migratory. They summer in North America and winter mainly east of the Andes in South America. Unlike most other nightjars, the Common Nighthawk can regularly be seen catching insects "on the wing" at anytime of the day or night. This adult male, which may have been on it's northward migration, was photographed on a day-roost near San Miguel, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico, April 2003.







Nyctidromus

This is the only member of the genus.

The Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis is widespread from southern Texas south to northern Argentina. Most populations are thought to be non- migratory. This individual was observed on a day-roost at Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, Texas, March 2009.








Phalenoptilus

This is the only member of the genus.

The Common Poorwill Phalenoptilus nuttallii summers in southwestern Canada and the western USA. During the colder winter months, they migrate south to join resident birds in Mexico. It is now known that some birds will hibernate during the winter in the southern deserts of the southwestern USA. This bird was one of four that I observed at Cave Creek Ranch, near Portal, Arizona, November 2006.








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