Caprimulgiformes

/ˌkæprɪˌmʌldʒɪˈfɔrmiz/ noun

Definition

The scientific order name for nightjars and their relatives, comprising nocturnal birds specialized for catching insects in mid-air.

Etymology

From caprimulgus (goat milker) plus the Latin suffix -formes (shaped like or resembling), used in biological taxonomy to denote orders of organisms.

Kelly Says

This order represents millions of years of evolution perfectly tuning birds for night hunting—they have enormous eyes, silent wings, and reflexes calibrated for catching tiny insects in complete darkness.

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