Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Least Concern
Despite its name, the Common Nighthawk isn't a hawk at all! These incredible acrobats fly at dawn and dusk, catching flying insects in their huge, gaping mouths. They can catch over 500 mosquitoes in one night!
Male nighthawks perform amazing diving displays, creating a booming sound with their wings. They're often seen swooping around city lights where insects gather.
Size
About the size of a robin but with longer wings
Medium (25-40 cm)
Wingspan: 60 cm
Weight: 75 g
Colors
brown
gray
white
Habitat
grasslandurban
Diet
insects
Fun Facts
- ✨They're not actually hawks - they're related to whip-poor-wills!
- ✨They catch insects with their huge mouth while flying.
- ✨Their 'booming' dive sounds like someone blowing across a bottle.
- ✨They lay eggs directly on gravel rooftops - no nest needed!
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Great news! This bird is doing well. There are lots of them in the wild, and they have safe places to live and find food.
Population trend: decreasing 📉