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Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Nighthawks and Swifts
Nightjar Family (Caprimulgidae)
Size: Length: 21-25 cm Wingspan: 53-61 cm
Description: This fairly common nester is normally heard before it is spotted. Once spotted, it's usually high above on a quest for flying insects. Close sightings are rare. The nighthawk is a drab, brown bird. The entire body is mottled with white and dark-brown. The dark wings have a prominent white patch. The tail is slightly fanned, with a white stripe visible on male birds. Males have a white throat, while females have a buff coloured throat. They feed on flying insects, high above the ground. During most of the day, they perch on the ground or in trees. When perched, they roost along the branch rather than across as most other birds. The call is a high pitched, buzzing "kreek" repeated every second or two. They nest on the ground, or on the flat roofs of buildings. No actual nest is built, the eggs are simply laid on the flat surface.
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All Material © Ward Cameron 2005