The European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), is a crepuscular and
nocturnal insect-eating bird that breeds across Europe and temperate
Asia. All six subspecies of this nightjar are migratory, wintering in
sub-Saharan Africa. Their densely patterned grey and brown plumage makes
them 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 in flight. The preferred habitat is dry, open
country with some trees and small bushes. The breeding male has a
churring trill, and patrols his territory with wings held in a V-shape.
The female lays two eggs directly on the ground; they hatch after about
17–21 days and the chicks fledge in another 16–17 days. Both
"Caprimulgus" and the old name "goatsucker" refer to the myth that
nightjars suckled she-goats, causing them to cease to give milk. Its
large numbers and huge breeding range mean that it is classed by the
IUCN as being of least concern.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_nightjar>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1789:
George Washington took the oath of office as the first
president of the United States at Federal Hall in New York City.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidency_of_George_Washington>
1945:
World War II: As Allied forces closed in on Berlin, Nazi
leader Adolf Hitler committed suicide in the Führerbunker with Eva
Braun one day after their marriage.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Adolf_Hitler>
1982:
Sixteen monks and a nun of the Hindu organisation Ananda Marga
were beaten to death and set on fire in Calcutta, India.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bijon_Setu_massacre>
1997:
In "The Puppy Episode", the lead character of the TV series
Ellen, played by Ellen DeGeneres, came out as lesbian.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Puppy_Episode>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
desiccate:
1. (transitive) To remove moisture from; to dry.
2. (transitive) To preserve by drying.
3. (intransitive, rare) To become dry; to dry up.
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/desiccate>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
Now we are at ground zero as regards the world we need to build.
A world of respect for international law, the UN Charter, and the power
of multilateralism. A world where civilians have protection. Where human
rights are a priority. Where leaders live up to the declared values they
have committed to. It is also a struggle, but we must win it for the
sake of every country, community and person around the world.
--António Guterres
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Ant%C3%B3nio_Guterres>