In the province of Cumana are several lofty mountains, the highest of which is Tumeriquiri. In this mountain is situated the cavern of Guacharo, which is celebrated among the Indians. It is very extensive, and serves as a living environment to an immense number of nocturnal birds, especially the Oilbird or Guacharo, from the fat […]
Category: Caprimulgiformes
Bird stories, Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus)
The Omahas and other Siouan Indians used to say that when whippoorwills sing at night, saying “Hoia, hohin?” one replies “No.” If the birds stop at once, it is a sign that the answerer will soon die, but if the birds keep on calling he or she will live a long time. The Utes of […]
The Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) as a probable resident in southern Mexico
Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) Science Article 1 abstract In 1987, the Great Potoo, Nyctibius grandis was recorded for the first time in southern Mexico (Rangel-Salazar & Vega-Rivera 1989). At that time, the species was considered to be occasional or acc
THE SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK IS A TREE NESTER
Short-tailed Nighthawk (Lurocalis semitorquatus) Science Article 1 abstract A nest of the Short-tailedN ighthawk, Lurocalis semitorquatus noctivagus, was found in Panama.It was located on a 15-cm diameter, horizontal branch in an Erythrinafusca tree,6 m above ground. The tree was growing on the side of a pond in semi-open habitat, closeto old second-growth, lowland forest. The […]
Brood amalgamation in Red-necked Nightjars Caprimulgus ruficollis
Red-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis) Science Article 1 abstract The study of nocturnal birds supposes a serioushandicap for observers due to the restrictionsimposed by the lack of light and the scarcityof information about important aspects oftheir behaviour, such as adoption. In fact, alloparentalcare has not been described in caprimulgidsor any other group of nocturnal birds.Adoption is […]
What effects do walkers and dogs have on the distribution and productivity of breeding European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus?
Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) Science Article 1 abstract Several successive studies of European Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus (hereafter, Nightjar) on the Dorset heaths demonstrated negative effects of the proximity of urban development and associated disturbance from access on foot by people and dogs. Surrogate measures of human density and settlement, including the amount of developed land around […]
Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and Woodlark Lullula arborea – recovering species in Britain?
Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) Science Article 2 abstract The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and Woodlark Lullula arborea are identified as species of conservation concern at both a UK and a European level on account of historical declines in their population sizes and ranges. The UK populations of both species have increased significantly in recent decades and this […]
Nesting of Lesser Nighthawks on beaches in El Salvador
Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) Science Article 2 abstract Distribution of the Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) in northern Central America is poorly understood (Howell and Webb 1995). We here present the first documentation of breeding for the species in El Salvador, as well as the hrst documentation of breeding in association with terns and plovers. On […]
Geographic Variation in the Juvenal Plumage of the Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis)
Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) Science Article 1 abstract In attempting to identify a series of Lesser Nighthawks (Chordeiles acutipennis) collected on the Pacific lowlands of Guatemala, and to ascertain the applicable trinomial to use, I encountered a striking degree of variation among juveniles in the collection of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). To […]
The Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) as a probable resident in southern Mexico
Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) Science Article 1 abstract In 1987, the Great Potoo, Nyctibius grandis was recorded for the first time in southern Mexico (Rangel-Salazar & Vega-Rivera 1989). At that time, the species was considered to be occasional or acc