Lesser nighthawk

The lesser nighthawk is a captivating bird species found across the Americas. These nightjars are distinguished by their striking dark plumage, which features an intricate mix of brown, grey, and white patterns on their upperparts and breast. Their long, black upper wings display noticeable white bars, while their underparts are a buff color patterned with black streaks. A simple way to distinguish males from females is by their throats: males have white throats, whereas females have light brown ones.

You might hear the call of a lesser nighthawk—a rapid, melodious trill—primarily near their breeding grounds. These birds prefer open areas for breeding, ranging from the Southwestern United States down to tropical South America. Instead of constructing nests, they lay their eggs directly on bare ground. The female usually undertakes the task of incubating the eggs, which takes about 20 days. Once hatched, the young birds are ready to fledge in roughly another 20 days. Both parents are highly protective, employing tactics like distracting intruders or performing aerial attacks to defend their nests. The young birds also exhibit their own defensive maneuvers, such as opening their mouths wide and spreading their wings.

Lesser nighthawks are partial migrants. During winter, many migrate from the United States and northern Mexico, although some individuals may remain, particularly in the Gulf Coast states and Florida. Their diet consists mainly of flying insects, which they catch while foraging at dawn, dusk, and occasionally at night, particularly when there is a full moon or artificial lights to aid their vision.