The Common Nighthawk

The Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) can be spotted at dawn or dusk in Alberta, especially during their mating season from May to August. When there are numerous of them in a group it is referred to as a “kettle”.

As skilled acrobats, they can fly in loops and switch directions abruptly. Males will make a “boom” sound with their wings by forcing air through their wingtips when they dive quickly

Birds

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down to the ground and flex their wings.

Known as very territorial the Common Nighthawk will dive at humans if needed.

Their numbers declined by half since the 1960s due to pesticide application and loss of flying insects, habitat loss from deforestation/ replanting and even vehicle collisions.

They are insectivores and feed mainly on flying insects. Natural predators of these birds are falcons, owls and foxes, and species that target their eggs.

For more information: www.allaboutbirds.org/ guide/Common_Nighthawk/ overview www.naturecanada.ca/ discover-nature/ endangered-species/ common-nighthawk www.sararegistry.gc.ca/ virtual_sara/files/cosewic/ sr_chordeiles_minor_e.pdf www.birdscanada.org/ where-do-all-thenighthawks-go www.thelandbetween.ca/ the-land-between-speciesat-risk/common-nighthawk

Information about upcoming presentations: www.NatureLethbridge.ca

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