A medium-sized, nocturnal or crepuscular bird (family Caprimulgidae) with long, pointed wings, a short bill, and short legs, found worldwide. Goatsuckers feed on flying insects and prefer to live among bracken. The name ‘goatsucker’ refers to an ancient belief that they suck milk from goats. Certain North American species are known as nighthawks. Some become torpid for short periods, and the common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) undergoes a type of hibernation. There are about 100 species.