About the Common Nighthawk
The common nighthawk or bullbat is a medium-sized crepuscular or nocturnal bird of the Americas within the nightjar (Caprimulgidae) family, whose presence and identity are best revealed by its vocalization. Typically dark, displaying cryptic colouration and intricate patterns, this bird is difficult to spot with the naked eye during the day. This bird is most conspicuous when in its buoyant and erratic flight. The most remarkable feature of this aerial insectivore is its small beak that belies the massiveness of its mouth. Some claim appearance similarities to owls. With its horizontal stance and short legs, the common nighthawk does not travel frequently on the ground, instead preferring…
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ID tip
The common nighthawk is distinguished from other caprimulguids by its forked tail (includes a white bar in males); its long, unbarred, pointed wings with distinctive white patches; its lack of rictal bristles, and the key identifier – their unmistakable calls. These birds range from 21 to 25 cm (8.3 to 9.8 in) in total length and from 51 to 61 cm (20 to 24 in) in wingspan. Body mass can vary from 55 to 98 g (1.9 to 3.5 oz). Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 17.2 to 21.3 cm (6.8 to 8.4 in), the tail is 13 to 15.1 cm (5.1 to 5.9 in), the bill is 0.5 to 0.8 cm (0.20 to 0. Voice: There are no differences between the calls and song of the common nighthawk. The most conspicuous vocalization is a nasal peent or beernt during flight. Peak vocalizations are reported 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. A croaking auk auk auk is vocalized by males while in the presence of a female during courtship.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Common Nighthawk sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Spain, France, Grenada, Jamaica, Venezuela, Ireland, St. Barthélemy, U.S. Virgin Islands.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Lesser NighthawkChordeiles acutipennisThe lesser nighthawk is known for its large mouth and small feet.
Antillean NighthawkChordeiles gundlachiiThe adults are dark with brown, grey and white patterning on the upperparts and breast; the long wings are black and show a white bar in flight.
Nacunda NighthawkChordeiles nacundaThe nacunda nighthawk is not only the largest of the highly aerial nightjars known as nighthawks and the largest species of nightjar in the neotropics, it is one of the largest nightjar species in the world.
Side by side: Common Nighthawk vs Lesser Nighthawk
Learn the Common Nighthawk for real
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