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Glite Dictionary
caprimulgid

caprimulgid

9.9
A bird active at night with spotted feathers and large eyes that eats insects
  • noun
  • /ˌkæprɪˈmʌlɡɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : caprimúlido
  • At twilight, the caprimulgid can be seen hunting for insects in the dim light of dusk.

Examples

  • A caprimulgid will often rest motionless on the ground during the day, blending with leaf litter.

  • The caprimulgid is best known for its haunting, nocturnal call throughout summer nights.

  • Researchers studied the camouflage techniques of several caprimulgids in their native habitats.

  • The caprimulgid flew silently through the night.

  • Have you ever seen a caprimulgid in the wild?

  • A caprimulgid is known for its distinctive camouflage, allowing it to blend in with its surroundings during the day.

  • The caprimulgid produces a unique call that can be heard resonating through the forest at night.

Synonyms

nightjar
vscaprimulgid
1 9.5

A bird active at night with grey-brown feathers and large eyes that eats insects

is the common everyday name rather than the scientific family term
goatsucker
vscaprimulgid
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A bird active at night with large eyes and brown and grey feathers that eats insects

is used also as the common name rather than stressing the family label

Surface Forms

caprimulgid singular
caprimulgids plural

Etymology

The word caprimulgid comes from Latin parts capra 'goat' and mulgere 'to milk'. A helpful way to remember it is an old story that these night birds were thought to 'milk' goats because they are active at night and make strange calls, so the name links that goat‑milking myth to a bird that feeds on insects after dark.