caprimulgid

Thân thiện

A caprimulgid perches silently on a low branch at dusk.

Definition

Noun: A caprimulgid is a bird belonging to the family Caprimulgidae, characterized primarily by being crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) or nocturnal. These birds typically have plumage that is mottled in shades of greyish-brown, providing camouflage, and possess notably large eyes adapted for low-light vision. Their diet consists mainly of insects, which they often catch in flight.

Usage Examples

• The caprimulgid is perfectly adapted for its nighttime hunting, with silent flight and a wide gape.
• We heard the distinctive churring call of a caprimulgid as dusk fell over the field.
• Ornithologists study the feeding habits of the caprimulgid to understand insect population control.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used in formal ornithological contexts to refer to any member of the family Caprimulgidae, which includes nightjars, nighthawks, and poorwills.
• It can be used attributively (like an adjective) in compound nouns, e.g., "caprimulgid species," "caprimulgid behavior."

Variants and Related Words

• Caprimulgidae (n): The scientific family name to which caprimulgids belong.
• Nightjar (n): A common name for many Old World caprimulgid birds.
• Nighthawk (n): A common name for some New World caprimulgids, often more crepuscular.
• Goatsucker (n): An old, now less common name derived from the mistaken belief these birds suckled milk from goats.

Synonyms

• Nightjar (common name)
• Goatsucker (archaic common name)

Notes on Meaning

The definition is highly specific to zoological and ornithological classification. In everyday language, the common names "nightjar" or "nighthawk" are far more frequently used. The term "caprimulgid" itself does not have multiple common meanings outside of this precise biological context.

Học thuật

Noun

1. mainly crepuscular or nocturnal nonpasserine birds with mottled greyish-brown plumage and large eyes; feed on insects

Từ đồng nghĩa

• goatsucker
• nightjar