




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
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.





Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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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.
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.
Common Nighthawks are expert bug catchers, scooping up all sorts of flying insects while in flight!
Anax junius
Nighthawks prey on various large flying insects.

Bubo virginianus
Owls sometimes hunt adult nighthawks.

Canis latrans
Coyotes may prey on eggs or nestlings on the ground.
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Observe these birds from a safe distance to avoid disturbing them in their natural habitat.
22-25 cm
57-61 cm
0.05-0.1 kg
4-10 years
70 km/h
Common Nighthawks are expert bug catchers, scooping up all sorts of flying insects while in flight!
Urban areas
Pursuit
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