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Which caprimulgiform birds can have yellow, orange, or ruby-colored irises?
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Caprimulgiform
Male common nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) landing
In the order Caprimulgiformes, the iris color is brown for the vast majority of species. However, specific variations exist within certain families:
- Frogmouths: These birds can possess yellow, orange, or ruby-colored irises.1
- Potoos: Some species within this family exhibit yellow irises.1
It is a common misconception that other members of this order, such as oilbirds or nightjars, possess these non-brown eye colors; research indicates that no nightjars are known to have yellow eyes, and oilbirds do not have blue irises.1