Advertisement

Advertisement

nightjar

[ nahyt-jahr ]

noun

  1. a nocturnal European bird, Caprimulgus europaeus, of the family Caprimulgidae, having a short bill and a wide mouth and feeding on insects captured in the air.
  2. Also called goatsucker. any other nocturnal or crepuscular bird of the family Caprimulgidae.


nightjar

/ ˈnaɪtˌdʒɑː /

noun

  1. any nocturnal bird of the family Caprimulgidae, esp Caprimulgus europaeus ( European nightjar ): order Caprimulgiformes. They have a cryptic plumage and large eyes and feed on insects
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightjar1

1620–30; night + jar 2 (from its harsh cry)
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightjar1

C17: night + jar ², so called from its discordant cry
Discover More

Example Sentences

Then a nightjar began to hiss from among the rocks, and the stream to dash along more wildly.

The third nightjar, which also is confined chiefly to forest tracts, is known as Franklin's nightjar (C. monticolus).

In addition to this note Horsfield's nightjar emits a low soft chur, chur, chur.

This peculiar sound is responsible for the name nightjar, frequently given to this curious bird.

There are very few birds in it; but the nightingale sings there all day and the nightjar sings there all night.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Nightingale wardnight jasmine