Antillean Nighthawk
Chordeiles gundlachii
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<birdfyi-bird slug="chordeiles-gundlachii"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small Caprimulgidae nighthawk (~56 g) of open scrub, savannas, and coastal habitats in the Caribbean from Cuba and Hispaniola to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Very similar to the Common Nighthawk but separated by voice. Migratory; winters in South America. Aerial insectivore; Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 34.2 cm | 13.5 in |
| Weight | 56.05 g | 1.98 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Brown and buff mottled above with dark brown streaking; white throat patch in male; barred buff-white underparts; white wing bar across primaries; white tail band in male; female has buff throat. Closely resembles Common Nighthawk.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds in the Caribbean (Bahamas, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Jamaica) and Florida Keys; partially migratory within the Caribbean region.
Diet & Feeding
Catches flying insects in aerial sallies over Caribbean open country and coastal scrub at dusk.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO. Incubation: 19 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Distinctive 'kill-and-dee-dick' or 'killydee'; buzzy nasal call audible overhead; faster and shorter phrasing than Common Nighthawk; Caribbean accent clear
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Chordeiles |
| Species | Chordeiles gundlachii |
Distribution
Antillean Nighthawk has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Antillean Nighthawk eat?
Where does the Antillean Nighthawk live?
Is the Antillean Nighthawk endangered?
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What does the Antillean Nighthawk sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family