noun
- A small nocturnal bird of the nightjar family, native to western North America, known for its distinctive call that sounds like its name.
Usage: Also called common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii).; The poorwill is notable for entering a state of torpor during winter, making it one of the few birds known to hibernate.
Examples
- The poorwill's haunting call echoed across the desert at dusk.
- Birdwatchers in the Southwest often listen for the poorwill's distinctive 'poor-will' song.
- Unlike most birds, the poorwill can lower its body temperature and enter hibernation.
- The poorwill is a member of the nightjar family, related to whip-poor-wills and chuck-will's-widows.
- During summer nights, you might hear a poorwill calling from sagebrush areas in the western United States.