Antillean Nighthawk
A species of Typical Nighthawks Scientific name : Chordeiles gundlachii Genus : Typical Nighthawks
Antillean Nighthawk, A species of Typical Nighthawks
Botanical name: Chordeiles gundlachii
Genus: Typical Nighthawks
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Michael Woodruff
Description
The adults are dark with brown, grey and white patterning on the upperparts and breast; the long wings are black and show a white bar in flight. The tail is dark with white barring; the underparts are white with black bars. The adult male has a white throat; the female has a light brown throat. The most distinguishing characteristic to determine its identity from its closest relative the common nighthawk are the contrasting pale tertials near the back of the wings of a sitting bird. There are two color morphs, a gray and a rufous type. Like other nighthawks, this bird will display by flying upward with a distinctive call note, then diving, pulling out of the dive only a few feet from the ground. This creates a rush of air and distinctive sound.
Size
13 - 23 cm
Life Expectancy
10 years
Feeding Habits
Antillean Nighthawk primarily consumes insects, captured in flight with their agile aerial hunting technique. Unique adaptations allow for efficient evening feeding, distinguishing them from other birds.
Habitat
Second-growth scrub, arid lowland scrub, open savannas, cane fields, pasture, golf courses, over pine, hammock forests, railroad tracks, open stony, grassy areas, beaches, flat rooftops, bauxite mines, pine needles, pebbly beaches
Nest Behavior
Antillean Nighthawk's nesting habits lack a physical nest-building phase, with egg-laying occurring directly on ground or gravel. Parental care involves incubation and protection of the young in situ.
Nest Characteristics
Antillean Nighthawk's nest is not a structure but rather a chosen spot on open ground or flat gravel roofs where their eggs are laid directly on the surface.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
Their breeding habitat is open country of the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, the Bahamas, and the Florida Keys in the United States. They usually nest on bare ground, sometimes in raised locations including stumps or gravel roofs. They especially favor recently cleared areas in forests, airport fields, cane fields and pastures.
Photo By Michael Woodruff
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Nightjars and Relatives Family
Nightjars and nighthawks Genus
Typical Nighthawks Species
Antillean Nighthawk