Caprimulgi

/ˌkæprɪˈmʌldʒaɪ/ noun

Definition

The plural form of caprimulgus, referring to a group of nocturnal birds known as nightjars that feed on insects.

Etymology

From Latin caprimulgus, meaning 'goat milker,' from capra (goat) and mulgere (to milk). The birds were once believed to suck milk from goats at night.

Kelly Says

Medieval farmers actually thought these birds snuck into barns to drink goat milk at night—the name stuck even though the birds were just hunting insects near the livestock.

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