Common nighthawk

Common nighthawk
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Clade: Strisores
Order: Caprimulgiformes
Family: Caprimulgidae
Genus: Chordeiles
Species:
C. minor
Binomial name
Chordeiles minor
Subspecies

See text

Synonyms

Caprimulgus minor
Chordeiles virginianus

The common nighthawk or bullbat (Chordeiles minor) is a medium-sized [3][4] crepuscular or nocturnal bird[3][5] of the Americas within the nightjar (Caprimulgidae) family, whose presence and identity are best revealed by its vocalization. Typically dark[3] (gray, black and brown),[5] displaying cryptic colouration and intricate patterns, this bird is difficult to spot with the naked eye during the day. This bird is most conspicuous when in its buoyant and erratic flight. The most remarkable feature of this aerial insectivore is its small beak that belies the massiveness of its mouth. Some claim appearance similarities to owls. With its horizontal stance[3] and short legs, the common nighthawk does not travel frequently on the ground, instead preferring to perch horizontally, parallel to branches, on posts, on the ground or on a roof.[5] The males of this species may roost together but the bird is primarily solitary. The common nighthawk shows variability in territory size.[4]

This caprimulgid has a large, flattened head with large eyes; facially it lacks rictal bristles. The common nighthawk has long slender wings that at rest extend beyond a notched tail. There is noticeable barring on the sides and abdomen,[4] also white wing-patches.[3]

The common nighthawk measures 22 to 25 cm (8.7 to 9.8 in) long,[4] displays a wing span of 51 to 61 cm (20 to 24 in)[6] weighs 55 to 98 g (1.9 to 3.5 oz),[4][6] and has a life span of 4 to 5 years.[4]

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Chordeiles minor". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22689714A93244252. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22689714A93244252.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference ITIS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c d e Cite error: The named reference TheSibley was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b c d e f Cite error: The named reference Poulin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference ManitobaAvian was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Elphick was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · View on Wikipedia

Developed by Tubidy