The Sleeping One

The Hopi discovered the Common Poorwill long before scientists did in the 1940s which is apparent from the name they gave it which means, "the Sleeping One." The Common Poorwill will in cold Winter months go into a torpid state for days to weeks, lowering body heat, heartbeat and breathing rate.
 
 This bird nests on the ground and eats insects and they prefer open scrub areas.  The camouflage they have is amazing and so appropriate for their habitat.  They make short flights upwards to catch flying insects which is what makes them so difficult to rehabilitate in captivity.
 
 These birds must be force fed.  If they are deprived of food, they will go into a torpid state.  Our goal is to get them healthy and back out into their habitat as quickly as possible.
 
 This bird came in from a work camp soaking wet and with all sorts of debris stuck in its feathers.  Clearly it would not have survived without the kindness and caring of the workers.
 
 Because of the large dark eyes and round head, it is not uncommon for these birds to be mistaken for owls.  As luck would have it, Pat picked the bird up as an owl and bought it to me.  It is now dry and hissing at me and should be able to go back to where it came from in a few days.

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