Common Nighthawks feed on insects while in flight, typically beginning at dusk (crepuscular) but may also be observed feeding any time of day on cloudy, overcast days, at night (nocturnal) around soccer/baseball stadiums lights, or other large lights that attract insects. They do not construct nests but may use a shallow depression or simply bare ground. It nests on open ground like short grass fields, bare ground, sandy areas, gravel or rocky beds, and even flat roof tops. It is the only species that has been documented to "regularly" breed in our immediate area. The Common Nighthawk is the most widespread species of this family and breeds throughout most of the US and Canada. The nighthawks are the Common, Antillean and Lesser Nighthawks. Nightjars are the Common Pauraque, Common Poorwill, Buff-collared Nightjar, and the Chuck-will’s-widow. Nightjar and nighthawk are additional terms used to distinguish birds in this family and respectively refer to subfamilies, Caprimulginae and Chordeilinae. This group of birds is commonly called goatsuckers, a name that comes from the erroneous folk tale that they feed by sucking on the teats of goats at night. Profile by Glenn Olsen: Our Common Nighthawk is in the Caprimulgidae family along with seven other North American species. The rapid course change creates the booming sound (some say it sounds like a flame thrower) by forcing air through their wings. They can come within feet of the ground before they pull out of their dive.
During the breeding season, they will climb to considerable heights in preparation for their spectacular dive. Common Nighthawks nest on the ground at Bolivar Flats in open areas with some vegetation.Īn interesting behavior of the Common Nighthawk is the booming sound it produces during flight.
Locally, they are often found on fence posts at the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary. They can be seen during the day perching on power lines or the ground. They are crepuscular, which means they are most active before dusk and after dawn. It is suggested that the Nighthawk received its name from its resemblance to smaller hawks while in flight however, they are neither closely related to hawks, nor are they strictly nocturnal. Another prominent feature of this bird is it large head that is accompanied by its enormous eyes and small beak. Like most in the nightjar family the nighthawk sports colors of brown, white, gray, and black, which allows it to easily blend into its environment. During flight it is easily identified by the stiff wing beats and white wing bars. Profile by Richard Gibbons : The Common Nighthawk is a medium-sized bird with long narrow wings. Seasonal Occurrence: Very common April through October. Preferred Habitat: Fields and woodlands suburbs and urban areas. at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuaryįamily: ( Caprimulgidae) Nighthawks and Nightjars
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