Nighthawks, Hawks In Name Only

The name “nighthawk” causes some confusion as it suggests that this might be a true hawk. This bird, however, is not even related to the hawk family. The nighthawk received its name because it resembles small hawks when observed in flight. Nighthawks are in the Caprimulgiformes order, where falcons are in the Falconiformes order, and eagles and hawks are in the Accipitriformes order. To add further confusion, they aren’t strictly nocturnal (night time) birds. Almost exclusively eating flying insects, nighthawks prefer to hunt half an hour before sunset until an hour after sunset, and again starting an hour before sunrise.

These birds range from the far northern parts of Canada, down through South America and are quite common in the summer here in the Cody area. On warm summer evenings, look to the sky and listen for their sharp, peent call. One evening I counted 25 diving and turning over our front field as they fed on airborne insects. I am sure there were more but with their quick wing beats and almost bat like turns and swoops, it was hard to count them. In towns, these birds may take advantage of clouds of insects that are attracted to streetlamps or other bright lights, so you may see them swooping quickly back and forth within the lighted area.

The Common Nighthawk also makes a very impressive sound that some people describe as “booming” sounds. This sound is produced by the male during their courtship displays. Diving abruptly to the ground, the male will suddenly swoop out of the dive, flexing his wings downward, at which time the air rushes across his wingtips making this deep, booming type of sound. These dives are not just for benefit of the female but also used to warn people or territorial intruders.

Check out this video of the Common Nighthawk in flight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z007PLpWYxQ

During the daytime you may find nighthawks resting on wooden platforms, fence posts, gravel surfaces, tree branches, and even on the railings of decks and gazebos.

The Common Nighthawk is not easily disturbed by the presence of humans and will be found nesting in both rural and urban environments. In towns they will nest on flat, gravel like roof tops. In rural areas, they lay their eggs directly on the ground.

For additional information, and also to hear the call and “booms” of the nighthawk, check out this excellent video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qpsyjmda5Q

Photo Credits:

Photo of nighthawk in flight © Kim Taylor Hull, Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic Deed

All other photos courtesy of Anne Hay.