caprimulgid
caprimulgid Lexical Profile
• adjective
Relating to or belonging to the Caprimulgidae family of birds, which includes nocturnal and crepuscular insectivores such as nightjars and nighthawks.
"The researcher examined the caprimulgid wing structure to understand the mechanics behind their famously silent, moth-like flight."
• noun
Any bird of the family Caprimulgidae, found globally except in polar regions, characterized by long wings, short legs, and very short bills used to catch flying insects.
"During the twilight survey, the ecologist successfully recorded the distinct calls of three different caprimulgids native to the region."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'caprimulgus' (goatsucker), derived from 'caper' (goat) and 'mulgere' (to milk), combined with the zoological suffix '-id'. The name stems from an ancient myth that these nocturnal birds used their large mouths to suck milk from goats at night.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.