nightjar

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a crepuscular or nocturnal insect-eating bird with cryptic mottled plumage, large eyes, and a broad mouth

   A nightjar began its churring call just after sunset.

A compound of night and jar, where jar refers to a harsh, vibrating, or discordant sound. It replaced the older name goatsucker, which preserved a false ancient belief that these birds drank milk from goats.

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