Goatsucker Collection

Caprimulgus europaeus, European nightjar
Plate 1 from John Goulds The Birds of Great Britain, Vol. 2 (1873). Hand coloured lithograph

Nightjar, 1784. Creator: Jan Brandes
Nightjar, 1784

The Night-Jar, n. d. Creator: Thomas Bewick
The Night-Jar, n.d

Northern potoo, Nyctibius jamaicensis (Jamaican goatsucker, Caprimulgus jamaicensis). Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by John Latham from his own A General History of Birds, Winchester

Australian owlet nightjar or tawny frogmouth?
Australian owlet nightjar, Aegotheles cristatus or tawny frogmouth, Podargus strigoides? (Banded goatsucker, Caprimulgus vittatus)

Long-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus climacurus (Long-tailed goatsucker). Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by John Latham from his own A General History of Birds, Winchester, 1823

Goatsucker from Peru, Caprimulgus species. Handcoloured engraving after an illustration by Charles Hamilton Smith of a specimen in Rev

Passeres, Titmice and Swallows (colour litho)
6016769 Passeres, Titmice and Swallows (colour litho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Passeres, Titmice and Swallows)

Whip-poor-will, 1830. Creator: Robert Havell
Whip-poor-will, 1830

Caprimulgus Ruficollis. Creators: John Gould, Henry Constantine Richter
Caprimulgus Ruficollis

Caprimulgus europaeus (Nightjar). Creators: John Gould, Henry Constantine Richter
Caprimulgus europaeus (Nightjar)

Chuck Wills Widow, 1829. Creator: Robert Havell
Chuck Wills Widow, 1829

A Common Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus), ca. 1780. Creator: Unknown
A Common Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus), ca. 1780

Goatsucker, Nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by George Graves from his own British Ornithology, Walworth, 1821

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"Unraveling the Enigma of the Goatsucker: A Fascinating Journey into the World of Nocturnal Birds" Delve into the mysterious realm of night-dwelling birds with the European nightjar, scientifically known as Caprimulgus europaeus. This captivating creature, depicted in Thomas Bewick's masterpiece "The Night-Jar, " is a true marvel of nature. As we explore further, we encounter other intriguing species like the Northern potoo and Australian owlet nightjar. Are they distant relatives or mere counterparts? The answer lies within their unique characteristics and behaviors. Among these enigmatic creatures is also the long-tailed nightjar, with its mesmerizing plumage and graceful flight patterns. Its presence adds an air of elegance to moonlit landscapes. Venturing across continents, we stumble upon a fascinating goatsucker from Peru—a member of the Caprimulgus species. Its exotic allure captivates our imagination as we ponder how it adapted to its specific environment. Intriguingly, even renowned ornithologists like John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter were drawn to these elusive birds. Their illustrations immortalize species such as Caprimulgus Ruficollis and Caprimulgus europaeus (Nightjar), showcasing their intricate details for generations to admire. Let us not forget Robert Havell's depiction of Chuck Wills Widow—an artwork that captures both beauty and mystery in one stroke. These nocturnal wonders continue to inspire artists throughout history. Lastly, an ancient painting reveals a glimpse into India's past—a Common Indian Nightjar painted by an unknown artist around 1780. This artifact reminds us that humans have marveled at goatsuckers since time immemorial. Join us on this enthralling journey through artistry and science as we unravel the secrets behind these captivating creatures—the goatsuckers—whose existence has fascinated humanity for centuries.