Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

Nighthawks are not hawks; they are members of the nightjar family. They do feed primarily during the evening and night hours, using their large mouths to catch hundreds of insects, such as flies and mosquitoes, in flight. They perch motionless in trees and on other structures during the day, with eyes tightly closed.

Look For : Hard to see when not in flight. Wide, white bar stands out on their long, pointed wings. Long, notched tail. The male has white throat and tail patches.

Length : 8-10".

Habitat : Grasslands, open woods, cities.

Range : Summer: most of Canada and U.S. Winters in Mexico.