ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Common Nighthawk

Common Nighthawk

common nighthawk

This bird's name can be somewhat misleading. It is not strictly nocturnal and it is not a hawk. It does, however, hunt like a hawk as it catches flying insects on the wing.

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Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 19 days

• Clutch Size: 2 eggs

• Young Fledge: 21 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects

Description
The nighthawk is about the size of a blue jay and is mottled brown and black, which functions as camouflage. The male has a white throat patch and a white subterminal tail bar. The female has a buffy throat patch and no tail bar.

Habitat and Habits
Sometimes called "bullbats," due to their erratic flight style reminiscent of bats, common nighthawks course about high above the ground catching insects on the wing. While doing so, they frequently give their song, a nasal peent which sounds somewhat like the call of the American woodcock. The best place to observe common nighthawks is in cities and towns.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Nighthawks nest primarily on gravel rooftops, placing the eggs directly on the rocks. Modernization of roofs has decreased the availability of suitable nest sites, and common nighthawks seem to be declining.