Common Nighthawk

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) is in the Nightjars and Allies family (Caprimulgidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 13,418 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Common Nighthawk: observations by month (U.S.)

About Common Nighthawk

The common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) is a medium-sized crepuscular or nocturnal bird within the nightjar family, whose presence and identity are best revealed by its vocalization. Typically dark (grey, black and brown), displaying cryptic colouration and intricate patterns, this bird is difficult to spot with the naked eye during the day. Once aerial, with its buoyant but erratic flight, this bird is most conspicuous. The most remarkable feature of this aerial insectivore is its small beakFrom Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Common Nighthawk by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Nightjars and Allies)

Chuck-will's-widowAntrostomus carolinensis

Common PoorwillPhalaenoptilus nuttallii

Eastern Whip-poor-willAntrostomus vociferus

Lesser NighthawkChordeiles acutipennis

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ