Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Mississippi
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The Puerto Rican Nightjar (Caprimulgus noctitherus) is an endemic caprimulgid of the coastal and lower montane forests of southern and southwestern Puerto Rico. Its conservation status currently is assessed as Critically Endangered. Recent research suggests that it is more common than was thought but the species remains at risk from anthropogenic habitat loss or degradation. The Puerto Rican Nightjar exhibits preference for semi-deciduous and evergreen forest types. Nightjar nest sites are characterized by abundant leaf litter and an open midstory beneath a closed canopy. A considerable portion of nightjar habitat is located in private lands and outside protected areas. Establishing an expanded network of protected areas and corridors across southern Puerto Rico, and managing forest stands to promote nightjar nest habitat in public and private lands will insure the long-term persistence of the species.