167K views · 4.8K reactions | Lesser Nighthawk chicks run to mother  | MetDaan Animals | Facebook

Common in name, but rarely seen! The common nighthawk is a Florida Species of Greatest Conservation Need and member of a bird group called nightjars. These birds have unusually large eyes and mouths, allowing them to catch insects while flying during the early morning and early evening hours. During the day, nightjars rest by blending into their surroundings on the ground or in tree branches. Common nighthawks come to Florida in the summer to breed and can be found across most of the state. Inst

3.2M views · 66K reactions | Lesser Nighthawk chicks run to mother  | MetDaan Tips | Facebook

Remember our lesser nighthawk patient we shared a few weeks back? We’re thrilled to report they’ve been released back home! After 64 days in care, this tiny bird made an incredible transformation — arriving at just 4 grams and leaving at a healthy 52 grams. The bird was released just before sunset, as lesser nighthawks naturally rest on the ground during the day and take to the skies at night and forage for insects. Once released, their camouflage was so effective that it was nearly impossible t

“The Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) typically gives a nasal 'peent' in flight, but during the breeding season the males will make this unearthly 'booming' noise (@ 12s in the recording). The sound is entirely mechanical, made by flexing the wings in a steep dive and forcing air through the wing feathers. This display is mostly done to impress females, but sometimes also to intimidate intruders (me in this case).” – Jacob Saucier, Division of Birds #SummerRoadTrip #Playlist | Smithsonian Nat