mosquito hawk

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Word: Mosquito Hawk

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A "mosquito hawk" is a type of bird known scientifically as a goat-sucker. It is slender and has beautiful, shiny wings that spread out when it rests. This bird mainly comes out at night (nocturnal) and feeds on insects like mosquitoes.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use the term "mosquito hawk" when talking about certain types of birds that help control mosquito populations.
• This term is often used in North America.

Example Sentence:

"I saw a mosquito hawk flying around my backyard last night, catching mosquitoes in the air."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more scientific context, you might discuss the ecological role of mosquito hawks in controlling insect populations.

Word Variants:

• "Mosquito hawk" does not have direct variants, but it can be referred to in different contexts as a "nightjar" or "goat-sucker," which are other names related to its family.

Different Meanings:

• In some regions, the term "mosquito hawk" can also colloquially refer to dragonflies or certain types of large, predatory insects that eat mosquitoes, although this is not scientifically accurate.

Synonyms:

• Nightjar
• Goat-sucker
• (Colloquially) Dragonfly (but remember, this is not accurate)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs commonly associated with "mosquito hawk." However, you could say, "to be as elusive as a mosquito hawk" when describing something hard to catch or find.

Summary:

In summary, a mosquito hawk is a helpful bird that eats mosquitoes and is most active at night. It's a great example of how nature helps control insect populations.

Academic

Noun

1. mainly nocturnal North American goatsucker
2. slender-bodied non-stinging insect having iridescent wings that are outspread at rest; adults and nymphs feed on mosquitoes etc.

Synonyms

• nighthawk
• bullbat
• dragonfly
• darning needle
• devil's darning needle
• sewing needle
• snake feeder
• snake doctor
• skeeter hawk