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Starry Owlet-Nightjar (Aegotheles tatei), family Aegothelidae, order Aegotheliformes, Papua New Guinea (endemic)

Owlet-nightjars are not nightjars, and are not in the nightjar order Caprimulgiformes. (And are also not closely related to owls).

They are in their own order.

They are not as closely related to nightjars or frogmouths, as previously thought.

This species is beloved and deeply desired by birdwatchers, and if I saw one I would pee my pants. (One my top 10 birds!)

Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), male, HE SCREMMM!!!, family Calcariidae, order Passeriformes, Northern CO, USA

Longspurs and Snow Buntings, now in their own family together, were once in the Emberizidae (old world sparrows, buntings, and some finches), along with the new world sparrows.

Both groups were split off the Emberezidae in the 2010s.

Longspurs are actually not that closely related to sparrows of either continent, as was once thought, and are actually more closely related to the cardinal and tanager families.

The deep sea's most graceful commuter 💫⁠