Chordeiles acutipennis
The Lesser Nighthawk, *Chordeiles acutipennis*, is a master of crepuscular skies, a slender and agile aerial insectivore widely distributed across the Americas. Measuring approximately 20-25 cm in length with a wingspan of 50-60 cm, its mottled plumage of browns, grays, and buffs provides superb camouflage against bare ground or tree bark. A key field mark distinguishing it from its larger cousin, the Common Nighthawk, is a prominent white wing bar situated closer to the wingtip, along with a...
Found in arid and semi-arid open country, scrubland, deserts, savannas, and agricultural fields, often near water sources. Primarily occurs at low to moderate elevations.
Exclusively insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects including moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flying ants. Foraging occurs through aerial hawking.
Lesser Nighthawks are primarily crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, though they can be seen hunting on moonlit nights; during the day, they roost cryptically on the ground or lengthwise along branches. Their foraging strategy involves agile aerial hawking, swooping and diving to catch flyi...
The Lesser Nighthawk boasts an extensive geographic distribution, breeding across the southwestern United States from southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, south through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Its range continues deep into South America, extending through Colom...
Least Concern
- The Lesser Nighthawk is the smallest New World nighthawk species. - Unlike its larger relatives, it lacks the characteristic booming dive display. - Its eggs are laid directly on the ground, relying entirely on their cryptic coloring for protection. - They are true masters of camouflage, blendi...