Lesser Nighthawk
NameLesser Nighthawk
Common NameLesser Nighthawk
Scientific NameChordeiles acutipennis
FamilyCaprimulgidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)22.5
Weight (g)50.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is cryptically patterned with mottled browns, grays, and black, providing excellent camouflage. It features prominent white patches on the primary flight feathers, visible in flight, and a distinct white throat patch.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a soft, purring trill, often described as a 'whirring' or 'churr' sound, typically given in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America, and into South America, wintering in the southern parts of its breeding range and further south.
Identifying Featureswhite wing patches, mottled brown plumage, erratic flight pattern, crepuscular activity, white throat patch
Description
A medium-sized, crepuscular bird, the Lesser Nighthawk is known for its cryptic mottled brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage. It exhibits an erratic, buoyant flight pattern as it forages for insects at dusk and dawn.
