Least Nighthawk
Chordeiles pusillus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="chordeiles-pusillus"></birdfyi-bird>About
The smallest Chordeiles nighthawk (~30 g), family Caprimulgidae, inhabiting open cerrado, caatinga, and rocky savanna in eastern and central South America. Very small with brown and buff cryptic plumage; white tail band in males. Hunts small insects aerially at dusk. Least Concern in open lowland habitats.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 25.0 cm | 9.8 in |
| Weight | 29.733333333333334 g | 1.05 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Smallest Chordeiles; brown and buff mottled above; pale buff underparts with dark barring; small white throat patch in male; narrow white wing bar; white or buff tail spots. Female has buff throat bar.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of open savanna and cerrado in interior South America from Venezuela and the Guianas south to Bolivia and central Brazil.
Diet & Feeding
Catches small flying insects in aerial pursuit over South American scrub and open areas; crepuscular.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO.
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
High-pitched, buzzy trill; thin 'pee-pee-pee' series; soft churring from ground; tiny size matched by high, reedy call quality; rarely loud
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) |
| Genus | Chordeiles |
| Species | Chordeiles pusillus |
Distribution
Least Nighthawk has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Least Nighthawk eat?
Where does the Least Nighthawk live?
Is the Least Nighthawk endangered?
How does the Least Nighthawk nest?
What does the Least Nighthawk sound like?
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What order and family does the Least Nighthawk belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Caprimulgidae family