ID Keys: Pale bar near wingtips visible in flight, mottled sandy
gray plumage overall, buffy areas on underparts
The
Lesser Nighthawk is very similar to the
Common Nighthawk, a bird found over much of the U.S. and Canada during
the summer months. The Lesser Nighthawk, however, is strictly a bird
of warm areas of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, preferring dry
environments such as deserts and dry grasslands. The two species do
overlap in range in some parts of the Southwest, but there, Lesser
Nighthawks are typically found in drier, lower elevation areas than their
larger cousins.
Habitat
Found in dry habitats of the desert
Southwest and in Mexico, including desert areas, dry grasslands, and arid
scrublands.
Diet
Feeds on flying insects.
Behavior
Will feed at all times during the day,
but most often feeds near sunset. They feed while in flight, opening
their large mouth very widely and gathering insects. Sometimes they
will also feed on insects on the ground.
Nesting
Nesting occurs on the ground, with no
formal nest built. The female lays 2 eggs directly on the ground, and
she alone incubates them. When the eggs hatch, both parents help to
feed the young by regurgitating insects. The young leave the nest
after about 3 weeks.
Song
The song of a Lesser Nighthawk is a long,
low pitched trilling whistle, all given at one pitch.
Migration
Birds in some parts of Mexico are
likely permanent residents. Those that summer in the United States are
nearly all migratory, with birds moving as far south as South America for
the winter. There are a few that may overwinter in the far
southwestern United States.
