Nightjars (Caprimulgidae) are 94 species of medium-sized nocturnal or crepuscular birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills. They are sometimes referred to as goatsuckers from the mistaken belief that they suck milk from goats - the Latin for goatsucker is Caprimulgus. Some New World species are named as nighthawks.

Nightjars are found around the world. They are mostly active in the late evening and early morning or at night, and feed predominantly on moths and other large flying insects. Their soft plumage is cryptically coloured to resemble bark or leaves.