Caprimulgiformes

Frogmouth ( Podargus strigoides )

The Schwalm -like ( Caprimulgiformes ) are a, except Antarctica, most common order of birds. The only living species in Central Europe are the nightjar ( Caprimulgus europaeus ) and the Rothals - nightjar ( Caprimulgus ruficollis ). Schwalm Family are crepuscular and nocturnal, their plumage is soft and of a camouflageartigen, brown or gray color. They feed, with the exception of frugivorous fat Schwalms, mainly on insects, which they catch with their broad bill.

System

The Schwalm -like today are divided into four families: fat Schwalme ( Steatornithidae ) Frogmouth ( Podargidae ) Tagschläfer ( Nyctibiidae ) and nightjars ( Caprimulgidae ). A fifth family, who formerly counted among the Schwalm -like cave Schwalme ( Aegothelidae ), is now in the order of the Swifts ( Apodiformes ) made ​​since the Schwalm -like would be paraphyletic by them.

The family relationships of four families become clear in the following cladogram.

Fat Schwalme ( Steatornithidae )

Tagschläfer ( Nyctibiidae )

Frogmouth ( Podargidae )

Nightjars ( Caprimulgidae )

There are about 90 species. Frogmouth and Nightjars are sister groups.