Common Nighthawk: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Creatures of the Night · day 6 of 7

Five facts

1. Common nighthawks can fly 2,500 to 6,800 km when they migrate.
2. Besides their nasal "peent" call, males make a loud boom: air rushes through their wing feathers as they flex their wings in a dive.
3. When nighthawks breed in cities, they use flat gravel rooftops. Fewer gravel roofs means fewer city nests.
4. Common nighthawks lay two eggs of 6 to 7 g each, over one or two days.
5. Nighthawk hatchlings double their weight by day 2 and can make their first flight at 18 days old.

The quiz

1. How far may common nighthawks travel during migration?

• 25 to 68 km
• 250 to 680 km
• 25,000 to 68,000 km
• 2,500 to 6,800 km (correct)

They may travel 2,500 to 6,800 km.

2. What makes the booming sound of a male nighthawk?

• Air rushing through its wing feathers (correct)
• A special throat sac
• Beating its beak
• Stamping on the ground

During a dive, air rushing through its wing feathers makes the boom.

3. Where do common nighthawks nest when they breed in cities?

• In church towers
• In street trees
• On flat gravel roofs (correct)
• Under bridges

City nighthawks breed on flat gravel rooftops.

4. How many eggs does a common nighthawk lay?

• Two (correct)
• One
• Four
• Six

They lay two eggs, over one or two days.

5. At what age can nighthawk chicks make their first flight?

• 2 days
• 18 days (correct)
• 8 days
• 60 days

They can make their first flight at 18 days old.

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