nighthawk
1. Bird Name
The bird species being highlighted in this profile is known as the Nighthawk. The scientific Latin name for this species is Chordeiles minor.
2. Appearance
The Nighthawk, also known as a Common Nighthawk, is an indistinct looking bird with a mottled and grayish-brown color. Its upper parts are peppered with white and buff spots and streaks, while its underparts are largely barred with black and white. The Nighthawk has long, pointed wings with conspicuous white patches that are visible during flight. Their beak is short but wide at the base, ideally suited for their feeding habits. They have large eyes which are dark brown, almost black in color. Feather texture is relatively smooth with the tail feathers being slightly rounded in shape. Males and females are generally similar in appearance, although the males tend to have broader white wing patches and tail edges.
3. Size
The Nighthawk typically ranges from 22–24 cm/8.7–9.4 in in length. The wingspan of this nocturnal bird can reach 45–60 cm/17.7-23.6 in. Average weight ranges between 55–98 g/1.94-3.45 oz.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Nighthawks are native to North and South America. They can be found from Canada to Argentina but are most common in the United States during the summer months. They prefer open habitats such as grasslands, deserts, clearings in forests, and even urban areas. Interestingly, they are frequently seen nesting on flat rooftops.
5. Interesting Facts
Nighthawks are not actually hawks, but belong to the nightjar family. They are crepuscular creatures, most active at dawn and dusk. A great portion of their migration occurs at night, a habit which is rare among birds. Nighthawks also have a unique flight method characterized by rapid wing beats followed by a sail-like glide. Their name ‘nighthawk’ is somewhat misleading as they are neither strictly nocturnal nor are they hawks.
6. Diet
Nighthawks are insectivores, primarily feeding on flying insects. Their diet includes beetles, moths, flies, grasshoppers, and other types of insects. They catch their prey in flight using their wide mouths.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Nighthawks are most active during the twilight hours when they can be seen patrolling the skies in their hunt for food. They are known for their aerial acrobatics during the courtship ritual in which the male makes a loud booming sound by diving swiftly and then pulling up just before hitting the ground. Their call is a quick, sharp “peent”.
8. Conservation Status
The Nighthawk is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List. However, their population has been declining over the years due mainly to habitat loss caused by urban development.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Nighthawks typically live for around 4-5 years. In captivity, they generally have a shorter lifespan due to their need for extensive flying.
10. Additional Notes
In certain cultures, the arrival of Nighthawks is seen as a herald of spring. Their unusual habit of roosting on roads and their unpredictable flight pattern often causes collisions with vehicles. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations in their habitats. Their Latin name, Chordeiles minor, aptly reflects their twilight lifestyle, roughly translating to “evening or night-loving small bird”. In Spanish speaking regions, they are often called “Anapero Común.”
