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Class Aves
Order Caprimulgiformes
Family Caprimulgidae

Caprimulgidae—Nightjars

Also known as goatsuckers, the caprimulgids include the various nighthawks, poorwills, and Whip-poor-will. These are all insectivorous, feeding on the wing.

Chordeiles minor J. R. Forster 1771—Common Nighthawk

Sites.

Mid/Late Wisconsin/Holocene: Jimenez Cave (Messing 1986).

Literature. Messing 1986.

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Audubon 1844—Common Poorwill

The Poorwill is primarily an animal of the valleys and foothills, and it occurs throughout the region, although mostly avoiding flat, open country (Ligon 1961).

Sites.

Wisconsin: Carpinteria (Guthrie 2009).

Mid/Late Wisconsin: Dark Canyon Cave (Howard 1971); Rancho La Brea (Stock and Harris 1992).

Literature. Guthrie 2009; Howard 1971; Ligon 1961; Stock and Harris 1992.

Last Update: 27 Dec 2013