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Glite Dictionary
poorwill

poorwill

9.9
A bird that is active at night in western North America and makes a soft repeating call
  • noun
  • /ˈpʊrˌwɪl/
  • US
translation icon : pájaro pobre
  • The common poorwill is one of the few birds known to hibernate during cold weather.

Examples

  • As dusk falls over the desert, the distinctive call of a poorwill can often be heard.

  • We spotted a poorwill resting motionless on the ground, blending in with the leaf litter.

  • I heard a poorwill calling outside my window last night.

  • The poorwill is known for its unique nighttime song.

  • The soft call of the poorwill echoed through the still night air, guiding us through the dark forest.

  • While hiking in the mountains, we were thrilled to hear the distinct song of the poorwill as dusk fell.

  • At dusk, the poorwill began its melodic call, signaling the start of the enchanting night in the wilderness.

Synonyms

nightjar
vspoorwill
1 9.5

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

is one specific member of that group with a soft repetitive call
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
vspoorwill
  • Specialized
9.9

A small night bird that lives in western North America and eats insects

is the common informal name for that exact species

Surface Forms

poorwill singular
poorwills plural

Etymology

Poorwill comes from the soft, repeating 'poor-will' sound people heard from the bird, so the name is actually the bird's call, much like the name whip-poor-will. That's why a poorwill is remembered as a quiet night bird with a gentle, repeating song.