Nighthawk Decaf

The Common Nighthawk is one of the most widely distributed birds in the Western Hemisphere. The name “nighthawk” itself is a bit of a misnomer since the bird is neither strictly nocturnal nor closely related to hawks. They are a member of the “nightjar” family, a group of crepuscular birds that are active primarily during the twilight period. Common Nighthawks are declining in numbers in many parts of North America. Causes for this may include changes in land use and overuse of pesticides, reducing their food sources. In some areas, nighthawks nesting on gravel roofs have been targeted by increasing urban populations of crows, which eat their eggs. They are long-distance migrants, migrating at all hours of the day in large flocks, on one of the longest migration routes of any North American bird. Most travel over land through Mexico and Central America to reach their wintering grounds in southern South America.

Common Nighthawks are easiest to see in flight at dawn and dusk as they forage for aerial insects. Pick a high overlook with a good view of a river, if possible. In towns, look for nighthawks over brightly lit areas such as billboards, stadium lights, and streetlights. Scan the darkening sky, and you’ll likely find some bats zipping around with their frenzied flapping — but look for a larger, bounding, angular-winged shape with distinct white wing-bars. If you don’t see one, listen for low, buzzy peent calls. If you are in an area with breeding nighthawks, pay attention to the bizarre booming noise of a territorial or courtship flight.