Definition & Meaning of "whippoorwill"

What is a "whippoorwill"?

A whippoorwill is a nocturnal bird known for its haunting and distinctive call that echoes through the night. Found in North and Central America, this medium-sized bird possesses cryptic plumage that provides excellent camouflage in the forested habitats it inhabits. Whippoorwills are predominantly active during the twilight hours and darkness, emerging from their daytime roosts to hunt for insects, their primary source of food. Their call, a repeated "whip-poor-will," is often heard in the summer months and serves as a signature sound of the nocturnal landscape. Whippoorwills have large mouths and specialized bristles around their beaks, aiding them in capturing flying insects on the wing.