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Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor ORDER: CAPRIMULGIFORMES FAMILY: CAPRIMULGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Common Nighthawk Photo

© O.S. Pettingill/CLO

Pursuing flying insects at dusk and dawn, the Common Nighthawk can be seen flying its floppy flight in rural or urban areas. Its white wing patches and eratic flight make it look like a big bat with headlights, and it is known in some areas as the "bullbat."

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Appearance

Owl-like
Owl-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized bird.
  • Large-headed with a tiny bill.
  • Very well camouflaged, colored in browns, black, and gray.
  • Barring on chest.
  • In flight, long, pointed, bent wings with white patch near tip.

Immature Description

Immature similar to adult, but paler, with more barring on chest, and with smaller white wing patch.

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