Common Nighthawk Photo Gallery
Adult
Medium-sized, slender bird with long, pointed wings. Note white patch on the wings located closer to the bend in the wing.
© Ronnie d'Entremont / Macaulay LibrarySouth Dakota, June 25, 2017Adult
Extremely short-legged with a tiny bill and small flat head. Well camouflaged in gray, white, buff, and black. Note white patch on lower edge of the wing.
© Jane Mann / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, April 30, 2017Adult
Long-winged and flat-headed with a tiny bill. Plumage color varies across the range with some individuals having more rusty tones while others are grayer. Note white patch on lower edge of the wing.
© Tim Lenz / Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, April 28, 2013Adult
Nests on the ground in open areas such as gravel bars, forest clearings, coastal sand dunes, or sparsely vegetated grasslands.
© Cameron Rutt / Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, May 24, 2017Adult
Hunts on the wing at dawn and dusk, catching an array of flying insects.
© Alex Lamoreaux / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, July 12, 2018Adult male
Adult male—told by distinct white throat patch, wide wing patches, and white tail band (not visible here)—courts females by diving through the air, making a booming sound as air rushes over his wings.
© Andrew Dreelin / Macaulay LibraryMontana, June 14, 2020Adult
Has a huge mouth for catching insects in flight. Opening the mouth is one of several defense mechanisms—including hissing, raising wings, and fluffing feathers—used when facing an intruder.
© Bob Bowhay / Macaulay LibrarySaskatchewan, July 24, 2019Adult
Most active at dusk and dawn. During the day roosts in trees, on the ground, or on a flat roof.
© Matt Hofeditz / Macaulay LibraryColorado, July 28, 2016Adult
Frequently seen roosting on fence posts in western North America.
© Bryan Calk / Macaulay LibraryTexas, July 26, 2017Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Nightjars and Allies(Order: Caprimulgiformes, Family: Caprimulgidae)
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