Species-Specific Management (SSM)

Common Nighthawk

The common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) has had a long history of bad names. It is not a member of the hawk family but one of the goatsucker family. Although the name implies otherwise, nighthawks do nothing to goats. The nighthawk has also been called a bullbat but it is not a bat. The nighthawk is an insectivorous, ground-nesting bird that can be found nesting in forested clearings and rocky cliff ledges. It is a robin-sized bird with long thin wings notable flying high in the twilight skies. It is an example of species of the forest layers, generally suggesting the need for knowledge of the forest volume, not just area. The nighthawk should not be confused with the whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus). Although closely related, the whip-poor-will is usually found in closed-canopy forests.

Nighthawks are very general in their habitat requirements. They can be observed almost anywhere, from fields to the city. Nighthawks nest on the ground. Although their nest has no structure, they can usually be found on gravel or leaf litter. Some studies have shown that nighthawks use flat top roofs with gravel tops for roosting and nesting.

The nighthawk catches its food on the wing or ground from dusk till dawn, although it can also be observed feeding during the day. Scientists reported finding over 500 mosquitoes in the stomach of one nighthawk. Flying insects are essential for nighthawks. Where insect control programs are conducted, the food base for the nighthawk may be reduced. By managing for nighthawks, insect numbers will almost certainly decrease. Insecticides should be used very sparingly in areas where nighthawk abundance is to be increased. The management procedures are:

1. Burn a number of small sites in forestland to provide nesting locations for nighthawks.
2. Nest in the open and are readily accessible to terrestrial and avian predators. Increase the harvest of raccoons, opossums, and skunks in the area. These species prey on nighthawk eggs. Nighthawks have evolved with the natural animals of the area, but have not evolved with feral cats and dogs. While the cryptic color of the nighthawk and its eggs keeps it well-hidden, nighthawks can easily be seen during take off and landing.
3. Emphasize benefits of flat, gravel rooftops and some protected parking spaces which provide nesting area for the nighthawks.
4. Fence off a nesting area to keep out predators.
5. Build 6-foot tall flat-topped platforms on which nighthawks can nest and rear their young.
6. Build small ponds to increase the prey base (insects) of the nighthawk.
7. Increase public interest in the nighthawk as a mosquito catcher. They lessen malaria, thus providing a functional contribution to the community.
8. Increase public interest (e.g., have them identified as they fly over night-lighted sport events)
9. Inform the public to not disturb or allow their pets to disturb nesting nighthawks between May and July.

Feedback is an important part of faunal resource management. If you choose to implement any of these management options keep records of nighthawk sightings. Take corrective action to increase efficiencies based on your results.

No management action can bring an instant abundance of nighthawks to an area. A long term management plan of predator control, increased insect abundance, suitable nesting sites, and land management for clearings can make your property attractive to the common nighthawk. Reductions in widespread use of insecticides will allow more food for them in the evening skies.

A contribution of Brennan Cain (1991) and Justin Ellenberger (1996)
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0321

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.