nighthawk

From night +‎ hawk.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈnʌɪthɔːk/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈnaɪthɑk/

nighthawk (plural nighthawks)

A nighthawk.

1. (UK, regional) A nightjar, especially Caprimulgus europaeus (Eurasian nightjar). [from 17th c.]
2. (US) A New World nightjar of the genus Chordeiles, especially Chordeiles minor. [from 18th c.]
   • 1929, Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, Folio Society, published 2008, page 91:

     The swallows circled around and I watched them and the night-hawks flying above the roofs and drank the Cinzano.

3. A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours. [from 19th c.]
4. A nighthawker (metal detectorist who works illegally at night).

• (New World nightjar): bullbat, nightjar
• (person who remains awake and active during the night): night owl, night person

• Antillean nighthawk (Chordeiles gundlachii)
• common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
• least nighthawk (Chordeiles pusillus)
• lesser nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis)
• Nacunda nighthawk (Chordeiles nacunda)
• sand-colored nighthawk (Chordeiles rupestris)