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Chordeiles

Chordeiles

9.9
A group of birds that are active at dusk and night, like nighthawks
  • noun
  • /ˈkɔrdəˌilēz/
  • Specialized
: Chordeiles
  • The common nighthawk belongs to the genus Chordeiles.

Examples

  • Researchers have observed several species of Chordeiles migrating at dusk.

  • Members of Chordeiles are known for their distinctive booming calls during courtship displays.

  • The Chordeiles can be heard calling at dusk.

  • Did you see the Chordeiles flying overhead last night?

  • The common nighthawk, a type of Chordeiles, is often seen hunting insects at twilight.

  • Birdwatchers eagerly await the arrival of Chordeiles during the warmer months.

  • During summer evenings, you can often hear the calls of Chordeiles echoing in the dusk.

Synonyms

nighthawk
vsChordeiles
  • US
1 7.3

A night bird in North America that catches insects while flying

is a broader scientific group covering several related species rather than a single bird
genus Chordeiles
vsChordeiles
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of birds that includes nighthawks

is the same scientific group expressed without the extra label

Compounds

genus Chordeiles
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of birds that includes nighthawks

Surface Forms

Chordeiles singular
Chordeileses plural

Etymology

Chordeiles comes from the old Greek name khordeilēs, which meant 'a nightjar'. That's why Chordeiles is used for nighthawks — birds that fly at dusk and make loud calls.