Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

The Common Nighthawk is a familiar sight on summer evenings in the state as it is often seen over urban areas as it chases flying insects.  Active during both the day or night, they often congregate around light sources at night to feed on swarming insects.  The species has adapted very well to a human presence, and will often nest on gravel roofs.

Habitat: Can be found in a wide variety of semi-open to open habitats, including farmland, prairies, forest clearings, and urban areas.

Diet: Insects, especially flying insects such as moths, grasshoppers, beetles, flies, and flying ants.

Behavior: May feed at any time of the day or night, but is often the most active near dawn and dusk. Common Nighthawks have incredibly wide, gaping mouths which are used to scoop up insects in flight.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Common Nighthawk song 

Migration:  Summers throughout most of the U.S. and Canada.  Primarily winters in South America.

Similar Species: Superficially similar to Chuck-wills Widow, Common Poorwill.

Conservation Status: Common throughout much of its range, but in some locations has exhibited severe declines for unknown reasons.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Common Nighthawk

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Common Nighthawk"

3) eNature.com: Common Nighthhawk

Photo Information: March 31st, 2003 -- Near Fort Pierre -- Doug Backlund