What does nightjar mean?
A nightjar is a nocturnal bird in the family Caprimulgidae, found in many regions including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is most often seen or heard around dusk and at night, when it hunts insects. Its long wings and broad head are characteristic, while its intricately patterned plumage provides remarkable camouflage against tree bark, stones, and dead leaves. The name is an English compound based on night, reflecting the bird’s most conspicuous habit. In British English, nightjar can also refer specifically to the European nightjar, a migratory species associated with heathland and other open habitats. Although a nightjar may be difficult to find because it rests motionless and blends into its surroundings, its repeated calls can reveal its presence. The word is useful because it names a distinctive group of birds whose unusual appearance and nocturnal behavior make them memorable.
nounA nocturnal bird with long wings, a broad head, and mottled plumage that provides camouflage, typically hunting insects at dusk or during the night. Nightjars belong to the family Caprimulgidae and are found in many parts of the world.
- Any of various nocturnal birds in the family Caprimulgidae, characterized by long wings, a broad head, and camouflaged plumage.
"A nightjar called from the edge of the heath as the last light faded."
"The nightjar remained motionless on the path until the walkers were almost upon it."
"Conservationists surveyed the heath at dusk to locate nesting nightjars."
The standard plural is nightjars.
"Several nightjars were heard calling over the heathland."
Nightjars are masters of concealment: their mottled plumage can make them nearly vanish against bark, stones, or leaf litter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nightjar come from?
Nightjar is an English compound formed in the 17th century from night and jar. The first element clearly refers to the bird's nocturnal habits. The compound belongs to a broader set of English words built on the Germanic word for night, including midnight, nightfall, and nightmare.
How nightjar is actually used
The word is usually used for birds in the family Caprimulgidae. In older English, the name goatsucker referred to the belief that the bird sucked milk from goats, a belief now regarded as folklore.