The Yucatan poorwill (Nyctiphrynus yucatanicus) is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae.

Especially it and the eared poorwill are believed to be the closest living relatives due to the similarity in songs and plumage characteristics.

[4] The Yucatan poorwill is 19.5 to 22 cm (7.7 to 8.7 in) long, making it the smallest species of nightjar in the Yucatán Peninsula.

The former is mostly dark grayish brown with a variety of dusky, gray, and black vermiculation and streaks.

The tail is dull black with grayish buffy marks and the wing is rounded.

[5] A similar species, the eared poorwill (N. mcleodii), has longer wings, a distinct narrow collar on the hind neck, a rather plain upper body, a plainer lower body, and smaller white spots on the belly.

In Mexico it occurs in the states of Campeche, Yucatán (except the northern coastal strip), and Quintana Roo.

In the Shipstern Wildlife Reserve area of Belize, the yucatan poorwill has been observed to be inhabiting all year round and is usually found in small groups (less than 10) in specific habitats.

It inhabits a variety of landscapes including the interiors and edges of tropical, humid, and semi-humid forest as well as scrublands.