a widely distributed natural family of nocturnally active birds including the
whip-poor-will (
Caprimulgus vociferus), the
chuck-will's-widow (
Caprimulgus carolinensis), and the
common nighthawk (
Chordeiles minor); -- called popularly the
goatsuckers or
nightjars. The nighthawks are sometimes active during the day. [
PJC]