nighthawk

The story

From night + hawk.

First known use, by meaning

• from 17th c. A nightjar, especially Caprimulgus europaeus (Eurasian nightjar).
• from 18th c. A New World nightjar of the genus Chordeiles, especially Chordeiles minor.
• from 19th c. A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours.