How do the bills and feet of caprimulgiform birds differ from those of owls?

While caprimulgiform birds and owls share some superficial similarities, they are distinct groups with notable anatomical differences regarding their bills and feet.1

Differences in Bills and Feet

• Bills: Unlike the raptorial bills of owls, the bills of caprimulgiforms are not adapted for predation in the same manner. While they possess an "enormous gape"—often spanning nearly the entire head—the actual beak is frequently reduced to a small projection in most families. Exceptions include frogmouths and the oilbird, which possess larger, horny, and somewhat hooked beaks.12
• Feet: Caprimulgiforms are characterized by short legs and small, weak feet that are not raptorial. This contrasts with the powerful, grasping feet typically associated with owls, which are specialized for seizing and holding prey. Additionally, caprimulgiforms generally possess relatively shorter tarsi compared to owls.12

These external features, along with the lack of a frontal facial disk, help distinguish the order Caprimulgiformes from owls.1