WHIPPOORWILL Meaning and
Definition
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The term "whippoorwill" refers to a species of nocturnal bird belonging to the family Caprimulgidae, found mainly in North America. The scientific name for this species is Antrostomus vociferus. The word "whippoorwill" is an onomatopoeic expression derived from the bird's distinctive call.
The whippoorwill is renowned for its distinctive and repetitive call, which consists of three repeated syllables: "whip-poor-will." This enchanting call is most commonly heard during twilight or after dark, as the bird is primarily active at night. The call serves as a means of communication between individuals and can be heard from afar, contributing to the bird's iconic status in folklore and literature.
The whippoorwill is relatively small in size, measuring around 8-10 inches in length. It possesses mottled brown plumage with intricate patterns, rendering it quite well-camouflaged in its natural woodland environment. Its wide beak, bordered by stiff bristles, aids in the capture of insects, which form the bulk of its diet. Whippoorwills are mainly insectivorous and feed on a variety of nocturnal insects, such as moths, beetles, and flying ants.
Due to its secretive nature and excellent camouflage, the whippoorwill can be challenging to spot during the daytime. It frequents wooded areas, spending the majority of the day resting on the ground or perched horizontally on tree branches, employing its cryptic coloration to blend in with its surroundings. Whippoorwills are generally solitary creatures, with breeding pairs coming together during the mating season, which occurs from May to July.
The whippoorwill's haunting call and nocturnal habits have made
Common Misspellings for WHIPPOORWILL
- whipporwill
- qhippoorwill
- ahippoorwill
- shippoorwill
- ehippoorwill
- 3hippoorwill
- 2hippoorwill
- wgippoorwill
- wbippoorwill
- wnippoorwill
- wjippoorwill
- wuippoorwill
- wyippoorwill
- whuppoorwill
- whjppoorwill
- whkppoorwill
- whoppoorwill
- wh9ppoorwill
- wh8ppoorwill
- whiopoorwill
- Whipoorwil
- Whippoorweel
Etymology of WHIPPOORWILL
The word "whippoorwill" comes from the combination of two distinct elements. The first part, "whip", is an onomatopoeic representation of the bird's call. The repetitive, rhythmic sound of "whip" imitates the whistled notes of the bird's call. The second part, "poorwill", is derived from the Old English word "wīle", meaning "strife" or "trouble", and the Middle English word "wil", meaning "wish" or "desire". This combination implies a sense of longing or yearning associated with the bird's distinct call, often heard during dusk or nighttime. Therefore, the etymology of "whippoorwill" suggests a harmonious blend of sound representation and emotional connection.
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