Lesser Nighthawk

*@ SPI - Convention Center, TX

The Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) is a nightjar found throughout a large part of the Americas. Adults exhibit dark gray to brownish-gray plumage with mottling in black, grayish white, or buff on the upperparts and breast. Their long upperwings are black and display a white bar during flight. In Central America, this species is present as a resident breeder, inhabiting various habitats such as open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands. It can be challenging to distinguish from the similar Common Nighthawk, but key field marks include the shape of the wing tips (pointy in Common, less pointy in Lesser) and the placement of the white wing band.

Lesser Nighthawk Distribution Map (from eBird)

PHOTO GALLERY

@ the South Padre Island Valley Land Fund lot on Sheepshead Rd, TX

@ Merced NWR, Merced County, CA, USA

@ New River waterway, Belize

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