Their soft plumage is cryptically coloured to resemble bark or leaves.

The female lays two patterned eggs directly onto bare ground.

They are mostly active in the late evening and early morning or at night and feed on moths and other large flying insects.

The bill opens very wide and has a slightly hooked upper tip.

They are similar in most respects to the nighthawks, but generally have slightly longer bills and plumage that is softer.