Antillean Nighthawk

Overview

Antillean Nighthawk: Large nightjar, buff to pale cinnamon-brown overall with fine, dark bars and conspicuous white throat. White patches on long, pointed wings visible in flight. Tail is long, slightly notched with white subterminal tail band. Bill is tiny, bordered with bristles. Mothlike flight, frequent changes of direction.

Range and Habitat

Antillean Nighthawk: Breeds in the Florida Keys, wandering further north during the summer; accidental visitor as far west as Louisiana and as far north as the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Probably winters in South America. Also occurs in West Indies. Prefers open and semi-open areas, including pastures, fields, savannas, and pine barrens.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Antillean Nighthawk was once considered a form of the Common Nighthawk.
It migrates out of its breeding range after raising its young. It still remains unknown where they spend the winter.
They may be seen sitting on roads at night, first noticed by eyeshine.
A group of nighthawks are collectively known as a "kettle" of nighthawks.

The Antillean Nighthawk has a range that is fairly large, reaching up to 230,000 square kilometers. This bird can be found in the Dominican Republic, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and the United States. It has also been found in Barbados as well. The global population of the Antillean Nighthawk is thought to include as many as 500,000 birds. Due to the range and the population of this bird, it has received an evaluation rating of Least Concern. The previous rating for this bird species was Lower Risk, which was granted in 1988 and lifted in 2004.