Chordeiles minor
(Common Nighthawk)

Order: Caprimulgiformes
Order Description: Nighthawks, Goatsuckers
Family: Caprimulgidae
Family Description: Goatsuckers and Nightjars

Physical Description:
8 1/2-10" (21-25 cm). Long notched tail and long, slim, pointed wings with conspicuous white band. Dark with mottled brown, gray, and white above and below; paler below. Male has a white throat patch and white subterminal tail band. Female is browner with a buffyClick word for definition throat and no tail band.

Similar Species- Lesser Nighthawk

Song:
A short, nasal call, peent or spee-ik.

Distribution:
Breeds from southern Canada south to Panama. Winters throughout South America.

Habitat:
Found in mountains and plains, in open and semi-open habitat such as open coniferous forests, savannas, grasslands, fields, and around cities and towns.

Diet:
Feeds on flying insects (e.g., mosquitoes, moths, beetles, flies, and caddisflies).

Ecology:
Nests on ground, occasionally on rooftop or in old robin's nest. Forages at night or during day (most active during early morning and evening and at night). Catches insects high in air or close to ground.

Reproduction:
Female incubatesClick word for definition 2 eggs for about 19 days. Nestlings are semi-precocialClick word for definition, are tended by both parents, and become independent in about 30 days.

Conservation:
Element Code: ABNTA02020
Status: Protected nongame species
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S5,NTMB
National Rank: N5B

Important State References:
No references are available at this time.

Design by Ean Harker©1999, 2000.
Written by Jason Karl, 2000.