Easily seen around fields, ponds, lakes, and other open clearings, the Common Nighthawk has a familiar peent, peent, peent that you will easily learn to recognize. Even though "hawk" is in the name of this bird, it is not a hawk, but a nighthawk in the nightjar family. In comparison to nightjars, they have smaller heads, long pointed wings, and are seen during the day, as opposed to only being noticed at night or twilight (crepuscular).
Seen all over the continental US, they are solitary birds and form groups when migrating or foraging. They are quite conspicuous during daylight hours, but once they are at rest upon the ground on upon a tree branch, their cryptic coloration keeps them very well hidden.
The most remarkable thing about the bullbat is the tiny bill, which can open into a gaping cavern. During courtship, males also perform a stunning aerial display for females. The bullbat performs steep dives with downflexed wings and ending in a rush of air that creates a booming sound. It can be heard in the above video, which is one reason why it was chosen to illustrate this piece.
Common Nighthawk
Aransas NWR, 2016
The bugeater often takes advantage of the attraction of insects to street- or stadium lights. They are almost exclusively insectivores, though it is rare that they may consume vegetation.
There is no nest that is built, as the two eggs are lain directly upon flat ground in the forest. The female can move them several feet from the original position. Both sexes incubate in day and night shifts, as well as tend to the needs of the young. Feeding is done by regurgitation, and the young are kept on a night shift. Eggshells are removed or consumed to keep predators away from the area.
Even if a carnivore is in close proximity, the nest will rarely be abandoned. If so, it is done with much fanfare and consternation. Domestic animals, snakes, owls, hawks, crows, coyotes, raccoons, etc. are the usual culprits.
Pesticides and the lack of gravel roofs are contributing problems to localized declines. Many rubber roofs now have gravel pads for this reason.
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