& weird whiskers. These nocturnal birds range widely across the prairies, hunting as the sun sets, wintering as far south as Argentina… where it’s warm. They get it…
Folklore says that these nighthawks would prowl barns late at night, suckling on the milk of goats, which would, in turn, imbue them with mystical, supernatural powers.
I can’t imagine what exactly these superpowers might be. I once drank goat’s milk for an entire week when I thought I had a problem with lactose. I still wear glasses. I still cannot breathe under water. It remains a mystery.
My guess is that these ancient Europeans saw some birds canoodling with their flocks because birds…you know… eat insects.
Nevertheless, this habit of hanging around midnight goats gave rise to their family name: “Caprimulgidae” — Latin, literally for “Goat Sucker” – which, if you ask me, is a spectacular thing to shout at someone in traffic (& the name of a cocktail we’re still working on).
But, don’t worry. At Nightjar, we don’t judge you for the company you keep, or what you choose to eat (goat milk or otherwise!). As long as you enjoy good food, made well for people to connect over, then you’re always welcome here.
— S
