Whippoorwill: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The name comes from the bird's repetitive call that sounds like 'whip-poor-will.'
• It is derived from 'whip-poor-will,' which captures the essence of its sound, often repeated in folklore.
• The term has been used in North American vernacular since at least the early 19th century.

Cultural References

• In American folklore, the whippoorwill is often associated with omens or evening rituals, believed to bring messages from the spirit world.
• Poets and writers have used the whippoorwill in their works to symbolize nostalgia and the passage of time, highlighting its haunting call at dusk.
• The bird is also referenced in various songs, illustrating its place in American music and storytelling traditions.

Behavior and Habitat

• Whippoorwills are ground-nesting birds that prefer open woodlands, fields, and areas with plenty of insects to eat.
• They are nocturnal and their calls serve as a way to attract mates and establish territory during the night.
• These birds are expert camouflagers, blending into their surroundings to avoid predators.

Ecosystem Role

• Whippoorwills play an important role in controlling insect populations, as they primarily feed on moths and other nighttime insects.
• Their unique calling behavior also contributes to the nighttime soundscape, adding to the biodiversity in their habitats.
• As indicator species, the presence of whippoorwills can signal healthy ecosystems; they are sensitive to habitat changes.

Conservation Status

• Whippoorwill populations have been declining due to habitat loss and changes in their environment.
• Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats and promoting sustainable land-use practices.
• They are included in various environmental studies, serving as a symbol for bird conservation initiatives.

Ranking #37,997, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 37995 palliating
• 37996 dissimulate
• 37997 whippoorwill
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