A goatsucker, esp. the European species. See Illust. of Goatsucker.

(Family: Caprimulgidae) Long-winged birds, they hunt insects by swooping high in the air while flying. They hunt at dusk and dawn. They are found world-wide.

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

a nocturnal bird with a harsh cry

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Nightjars are sometimes referred to as goatsuckers from the mistaken belief that they suck milk from goats (the Latin for goatsucker is Caprimulgus). Some North American species are named as nighthawks.