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Female nighthawks do not build nests; instead, they lay their eggs directly on the ground. To shield their eggs from potential predators, the females rely on their natural camouflage. [ 2 ] Living in warm, desert areas means that the female must not leave her eggs in one spot in the heat for too long, therefore, she will periodically move her ...
The least nighthawk (Chordeiles pusillus), at 6.3 inches (15–19 cm) and 23 grams (0.81 oz), is the smallest of all Caprimulgiformes, while the Nacunda nighthawk (Chordeiles nacunda) is one of the largest nightjars in the world measuring at 11-13 inches (28–33 cm).
Nighthawks prefer to nest in edge and early successional habitats, making them one of only a handful of birds which will live and hunt in burned or clearcut patches of forest. [15] The common nighthawk is drawn into urban built-up areas by insects. [5] The common nighthawk is the only nighthawk occurring over the majority of northern North America.
The female incubates the eggs during the day while both parents incubate it at night for approximately 19 to 21 days. The male is primarily in charge of protecting the nest from any predators or other intruders. the parents feed the chicks mainly insects until they are able to leave the nest in about 20 to 21 days.
The Antillean nighthawk migrates out of its breeding range after raising its young. It still remains unknown where the birds spend the winter. The two eggs are laid directly on bare ground - there is no nest. Incubation is performed largely by the female and lasts for about 20 days. Young fledge at about 20 days of age.
Species that live in the far north, such as the European nightjar or the common nighthawk, migrate southward with the onset of winter. Geolocators placed on European nightjars in southern England found they wintered in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [9] Other species make shorter migrations. [8]
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For a lone potoo, or a brooding adult with a potential predator close to the nest, the bird attempts to avoid detection by remaining motionless and relying on camouflage. If ineffective, the potoo breaks cover and attempts to intimidate the predator by opening its beak and eyes wide open while vocalizing or simply flies out of reach.