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Glite Dictionary
caprimulgiform bird

caprimulgiform bird

9.9
A long-winged night bird like a nightjar that eats insects in the air
  • noun
  • /ˌkæprɪˈmʌlɡɪfɔrm bɜrd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ave caprimulgiforme
  • Many species of caprimulgiform birds feed on insects caught in the air at night.

Examples

  • Researchers observed a rare caprimulgiform bird nesting in the remote forest.

  • Many caprimulgiform birds are nocturnal hunters.

  • The caprimulgiform bird is known for its silent, moth-like flight at dusk.

  • The caprimulgiform bird is known for its unique call.

  • Many species of caprimulgiform birds feed on insects caught in the air at night.

  • Researchers observed a rare caprimulgiform bird nesting in the remote forest.

  • The caprimulgiform bird is known for its silent, moth-like flight at dusk.

Surface Forms

caprimulgiform bird singular
caprimulgiform birds plural

Morphology

caprimulgiform + bird

The noun 'bird' is transparent, but the modifier 'caprimulgiform' is a specialized taxonomic adjective that is not found in the supplied dictionary and is not analyzable into familiar English morphemes for a B1 learner. Because the crucial meaning depends on prior knowledge of the technical term (Caprimulgiformes/nightjars) rather than predictable composition, the phrase is not derivable from its parts.

Etymology

The name caprimulgiform bird may come from old Latin words meaning 'goat' and 'to milk', shown in the parts capri and mulgere, because people once believed these night birds drank milk from goats at night. So, though they do not drink milk, the strange name stayed and now simply means a long-winged night bird that flies quietly and catches insects.