nighthawks
1. Bird Name:
The bird being profiled here is the Nighthawk, a name shared primarily by the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) and the Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis), both of which are members of the nightjar family.
2. Appearance:
A low-profile creature, the Nighthawk has a cryptic pattern – a complex mix black, gray, white and brown all over its plumage that camouflages it perfectly on a tree bark or ground during the daytime.
Both sexes share a similar look, but males are identified by a striking white throat, more ornate patterning on their underparts, and white bands on the primaries of their wings. The bird’s eyes are large and adapted for nocturnal vision, and their beak is small but opens wide, revealing a cavernous mouth used for catching insects in mid-air.
3. Size:
Nighthawks are not large birds, but they are not small either, averaging length is around 23-25 cm (9.1–9.8 inches). Their wingspan, however, is quite impressive for their body size, ranging up to 60 cm (24 inches). On average, the bird weighs about 100 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution:
The Nighthawks are found across North and South America. The Common Nighthawk is known for its wide distribution through North and Central America, often found in open, dry regions like grasslands, deserts or forests. In contrast, the Lesser Nighthawk is often found further south, in subtropical or tropical regions.
5. Interesting Facts:
Nighthawks are famous for their impressive aerial acrobatics during courtship. The male makes steep dives, producing a booming sound as air rushes through their wing feathers. Also, surprisingly, despite the name, nighthawks are often more active during the twilight hours, hunting their prey.
6. Diet:
Nighthawks are insectivorous, using their large mouth and swift flight to capture a diverse variety of insects mid-air, including beetles, mosquitoes, and moths.
7. Behavior & Sounds:
Male Nighthawks perform dramatic aerial displays to attract mates, producing a noticeable ‘booming’ sound while diving. They are also known for their song, a short, sharp ‘peent’ call, conveying a cryptic yet fascinating sound.
8. Conservation Status:
The Common Nighthawk is currently listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List. However, it is notable that populations have declined in many areas due to habitat loss.
9. Lifespan:
Nighthawks typically live around 4-5 years in the wild. However, females often live slightly longer than males due to the latter’s energetic displays.
10. Additional Notes:
Locally, these birds are also known as “bull-bats”, a name that reflects their bat-like flight patterns. They play a significant role in ecosystems as insect controllers. Nighthawks are also known to migrate at night, traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. They are often seen nesting on flat, gravel rooftops in cities, signifying their adaptable nature. But care should be taken as human disturbances often scare off parents, causing them to abandon their eggs or chicks.
