Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

Summary 8

The common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) is a medium-sized crepuscular or nocturnal bird within the nightjar family, whose presence and identity are best revealed by its vocalization. Typically dark (grey, black and brown), displaying cryptic colouration and intricate patterns, this bird is difficult to spot with the naked eye during the day. Once aerial, with its buoyant but erratic flight, this bird is most conspicuous. The most remarkable feature of this aerial insectivore is its small beak

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) Greg Lasley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Greg Lasley
  2. (c) Victor Fazio, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/victor_fazio-iii/2782842820/
  3. (c) mnlamberson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/vitrain/36193641296/
  4. (c) Brandon Trentler, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://www.flickr.com/photos/btrentler/33826981645/
  5. (c) Tab Tannery, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/tabtannery/5271857791/
  6. (c) Victor Fazio, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/victor_fazio-iii/6026589145/
  7. (c) Richard Crook, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/richardwc/8893876929/
  8. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chordeiles_minor

More Info

iNat Map

Color brown, gray
Observed in Summer, fall, spring