Dictionary

nightjar

noun night·jar \ˈnīt-ˌjär\

Definition of NIGHTJAR

:  any of a family (Caprimulgidae) of medium-sized long-winged crepuscular or nocturnal birds (as the whip-poor-wills and nighthawks) having a short bill, short legs, and soft mottled plumage and feeding on insects which they catch on the wing —called also goatsucker
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Origin of NIGHTJAR

from its harsh sound
First Known Use: 1630

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