caprimulgiformes
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A potoo, a type of caprimulgiformes, perches motionless on a tree branch at dusk.
Definition
- Noun:
- A taxonomic order of birds: "Caprimulgiformes" is the scientific name for an order of nocturnal and crepuscular birds. This order traditionally includes families such as nightjars (also called goatsuckers), frogmouths, potoos, and the oilbird.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The Caprimulgiformes are characterized by their cryptic plumage and large mouths adapted for catching insects in flight.
- Ornithologists study the evolutionary relationships within the Caprimulgiformes.
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomic discussions: The exact composition of the order Caprimulgiformes is sometimes revised based on new genetic evidence. It may be discussed in relation to other bird orders like Apodiformes (swifts and hummingbirds).
- Recent phylogenetic studies have led to a reclassification of some species within the Caprimulgiformes.
Variants and Related Words
Caprimulgiform (adj): Of or relating to the order Caprimulgiformes.
- The caprimulgiform birds are most active at dusk.
Caprimulgidae (n): The nightjar family, which is part of the Caprimulgiformes.
- Podargidae (n): The frogmouth family, part of the Caprimulgiformes.
- Steatornithidae (n): The family containing the oilbird (), part of the Caprimulgiformes.
Synonyms
- Goatsuckers: A common name for birds in the family Caprimulgidae, often used colloquially for the wider order.
- Nightjars: Another common name for many caprimulgiform birds.
Related Terms and Phrases
- Nocturnal birds: A descriptive phrase for the behavioral characteristic of most Caprimulgiformes.
- Aerial insectivores: A phrase describing the feeding ecology of many species in this order.
A potoo, a type of caprimulgiformes, perches motionless on a tree branch at dusk.
Noun
- goatsuckers; frogmouths; oilbirds