The Common Nighthawk blends in perfectly with its surroundings with its mottled camouflaged coloration. This 10-inch bird spends most of its time on the ground, but at dusk and into twilight it takes wing and soars through the air searching for its insect prey. His loud nasal call is heard mostly at dusk.

It prefers fields and open woodlands, probably because this is an ideal location for catching insects. The nighthawk lays its eggs on the ground or on a roof. There are usually two eggs laid. They are buff white or olive grey and lightly speckled.

The nighthawk is found throughout central and southern Canada and throughout most of the United States.

The plush nighthawk shown at left is made by Wild Republic and is part of their Audubon Birds collection. These birds are unique in that when squeezed they will utter their own particular call.

 

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