ExploreBird

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

The Common Nighthawk is a bird that flies at dusk and dawn, catching insects in the air. It has a unique call that sounds like 'peent'. Look up in the sky to spot this amazing bird!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Common Nighthawk is a medium-sized bird with a mottled grey-brown plumage, black primary feathers, and a distinctive white bar across its long, pointed wings. It has a tiny beak but a huge mouth and a striking white patch on its throat, making it easily distinguishable in flight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCaprimulgiformesFamilyCaprimulgidaeGenusChordeiles

Common Nighthawk

Interesting facts

A nighthawk can open its mouth so wide it looks like it's grinning while flying!

Despite their name, nighthawks are most active at dawn and dusk, not deep night!

Their unique 'peent' call sounds a bit like a tiny, nasal frog croaking.

They don't build nests; eggs are laid directly on gravel, rocks, or even rooftops.

Special abilities

Common Nighthawk can catch flying insects mid-air with its wide mouth because of its agile flight and keen eyesight.

Common Nighthawk has cryptic plumage that helps them blend perfectly with tree bark or gravel rooftops, making them hard to spot.

Common Nighthawk can produce a loud 'booming' sound with its wings during courtship because of specialized wing feathers.

Measurements & details

Length: 22-25 cm
Wingspan: 57-61 cm
Weight: 0.05-0.1 kg
Lifespan: 4-10 years
Top Speed: 70 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-2
Incubation: 18-20 days
Migration Distance: 6500 km

Diet & Feeding

Common Nighthawks are expert bug catchers, scooping up all sorts of flying insects while in flight!

Primary Foods

Moths
Beetles
Flies
Grasshoppers
Dragonflies
Ants

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eats

Green Darner

Anax junius

Nighthawks prey on various large flying insects.

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Owls sometimes hunt adult nighthawks.

eaten by

Coyote

Canis latrans

Coyotes may prey on eggs or nestlings on the ground.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!