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Where in the world are true nightjars found?
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Caprimulgiform
Male common nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) landing
True nightjars, which belong to the subfamily Caprimulginae, have a nearly worldwide distribution across temperate and tropical regions. They are found in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from semidesert environments to very humid regions, and from sea level up to altitudes of 4,000 meters.123
However, they are notably absent from New Zealand and certain islands of Oceania. While they occupy diverse landscapes, they show a preference for open areas such as savannas, grasslands, and forest clearings.123