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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightjar¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightjar¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg