Common Nighthawk

Common Nighthawks historically nests on the ground in grasslands and in open patches of soil or gravel. Today they commonly nest on gravel roads or flat roofs with a gravel cover. The bird shown chose on old parking lot with apparently low traffic volume. They usually lay two eggs which hatch in about 18 days.The female broods the young birds for about fifteen days protecting it from the sun and weather. Notice the young bird in front of the mother and how well he/she blends in with the loose rocks. Common Nighthawks are not hawks and they hunt mostly insects in both the day and night.