AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Chordeiles minor
Common Nighthawk
(Forster, 1771)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized, slender nightjar characterized by long, pointed wings and a slightly forked tail. Its plumage is highly mottled with dark brown, grey, and black, providing excellent camouflage. In flight, a prominent white bar crossing the five outer primary feathers is highly visible, along with a white white throat patch on males.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Caprimulgiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Caprimulgidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Chordeiles
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Forster, 1771)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Extremely versatile, occupying open areas such as savannas, grasslands, clearings, beaches, rocky outcrops, and pine woods. It has also adapted extensively to urban environments, frequently nesting on flat, gravel-covered rooftops.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Crepuscular and highly migratory, traveling immense distances between North American breeding grounds and South American wintering areas. They fly in loose flocks, foraging on the wing by performing elegant aerial maneuvers to scoop up swarms of insects.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary when nesting but highly social during migration, often forming large, conspicuous flocks numbering in the hundreds or thousands as they move across continents. Communication includes nasal 'peent' calls given in flight.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nocturnal aerial insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Exclusively insectivorous, preying on flying ants, beetles, moths, flies, and mosquitoes. Preyed upon by birds of prey such as falcons, hawks, and owls, while eggs and nestlings are vulnerable to crows, ravens, cats, and snakes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Does not construct a nest. The female lays eggs directly onto bare ground, gravel, rock outcrops, or flat roofs. The cryptically colored eggs are incubated primarily by the female for about 19 to 20 days, and both parents feed the young by regurgitation.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
22.0 - 25.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
55 g - 100 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
19 - 20
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 9 Years
Females4 - 9 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males display a bright white throat patch, a solid white subterminal tail band, and prominent white bars across the wings, all of which are actively flashed during territorial defense and courtship rituals.
Females Multi-lang
Females feature a buffy or pale ochre throat patch instead of white, lack the prominent white subterminal tail band entirely, and generally display more heavily barred buff underparts.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses large, highly light-sensitive eyes adapted for hunting flying insects during twilight hours, combined with an aerodynamic body built for rapid, erratic flight.
Cryptic coloration allows it to blend seamlessly into rocky ground, logs, or gravel roofs, rendering it completely invisible while resting motionless during the day.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Declining populations of nocturnal flying insects due to widespread pesticide use in both agricultural zone environments and urban areas.
Loss of urban nesting sites as traditional gravel roofs are increasingly replaced with smooth, rubberized, or modern synthetic roofing materials.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
During courtship, males perform dramatic aerial dives; at the bottom of the dive, air rushing through their primary wing feathers creates a loud, booming sound.