noun
- plural of poorwill; small nocturnal birds of the nightjar family found in North America, known for their distinctive calls and cryptic plumage.
Usage: Poorwills are often heard at dusk calling their own name.; The common poorwill is the only bird known to enter torpor, a hibernation-like state.
Examples
- Poorwills are most active during twilight hours.
- The call of poorwills sounds like their name repeated.
- Birdwatchers often listen for poorwills in desert and scrubland habitats.
- Unlike most birds, poorwills can lower their body temperature and enter torpor during winter.
- Several species of poorwills are found across western North America.