Common Nighthawk Sounds

Overview
ID info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Song
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South Dakota, May 26, 2013Recorded by Wil Hershberger | Macaulay Library
Song
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California, June 16, 2008Recorded by Gregory Budney | Macaulay Library
Song and wing sound
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New York, June 18, 2009Recorded by Bob McGuire | Macaulay Library
Calls
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Florida, June 08, 1962Recorded by Charles A. Sutherland | Macaulay Library
Calls
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New York, June 19, 2011Recorded by Matthew D. Medler | Macaulay Library
Calls
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Oregon, July 19, 1998Recorded by Todd A. Sanders | Macaulay Library

Sounds provided by Macaulay Library.
Listen to more sounds of this species from the ML archive.

Calls

Common Nighthawks give a nasal peent or beer call while flying. When defending a nest, the female gives a hissing or throaty cluck. Courting males give a croaking auk auk auk call.

Other Sounds

During the breeding season, the male makes a booming sound by flexing his wings while diving, making air rush through his primaries. He does this while diving at females during courtship, and while diving at intruders (including humans). The male may clap his wings when intruders approach the nest.