The European nightjar, Eurasian nightjar or just nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), is a species of nightjar in the Caprimulgidae family that breeds across most of Europe and temperate Asia. The Latin generic namerefers to the old myth that the nocturnal nightjar suckled goats, causing them to cease to give milk. The six subspecies differ clinally, the birds becoming smaller and paler towards the east of the range. All populations are migratory, wintering in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their densely patterned grey and brown plumage makes individuals 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 as he flies at night.