Why are Nighthawks (Nightjars) called goatsuckers?

 
Photo: Humans & Nature

Nighthawks are nicknamed 'goatsuckers" due to an ancient, mistaken belief that they used their small, wide-mouthed beaks to suck milk from goats at night,   This myth, which established their scientific family name Caprimulgidae (Latin for "goat-milker"), originated because these birds were often seen flying around livestock to eat the insects attracted to them.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder