Family: Caprimulgidae, Nightjars view all from this family

Description 7-8 1/2" (18-22 cm). Our smallest nightjar. Mottled gray-brown with no white mark on wings; whitish collar separates black throat from mottled underparts. Dark outer tail feathers are tipped with white, more conspicuously in male; tail is rounded.

Habitat Desert, chaparral, sagebrush, and other arid uplands.

Nesting 2 pinkish-white eggs on bare ground.

Range Breeds from southeastern British Columbia, Alberta, and Montana south throughout western United States. Winters in southwestern states and Mexico.

Voice   A mellow poor-will.

Discussion The Common Poorwill has been discovered hibernating in the desert in California, surviving long cold spells in a torpid condition, without food and with its body temperature lowered almost to that of its surroundings. This adaptation is unique among birds. These nightjars are seen most often sitting on roads at night.