Wikipedia:Today's featured article/April 30, 2022
The European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) is a crepuscular and nocturnal insect-eating bird that breeds across Europe and temperate Asia. All six subspecies of this nightjar are migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. Their densely patterned grey and brown plumage makes them difficult to see in the daytime when they rest on the ground or perch motionless along a branch, although the male shows white patches in the wings and tail in flight. The preferred habitat is dry, open country with some trees and small bushes. The breeding male has a churring trill, and patrols his territory with wings held in a V-shape. The female lays two eggs directly on the ground; they hatch after about 17–21 days and the chicks fledge in another 16–17 days. Both "Caprimulgus" and the old name "goatsucker" refer to the myth that nightjars suckled she-goats, causing them to cease to give milk. Its large numbers and huge breeding range mean that it is classed by the IUCN as being of least concern. (Full article...)