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Lesser Nighthawk
Chordeiles acutipennis
Migration Flyway
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About the Lesser Nighthawk
The lesser nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) is a nightjar found throughout a large part of the Americas. This bird looks similar to the common nighthawk but is slightly smaller, has a slightly less deeply forked tail, and is more buffy in coloration. Their distinctive mouths are very well adapted for capturing insects mid-flight.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Chordeiles acutipennis
- Family
- Nightjars and Allies
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
Similar species
Other members of the nightjars and allies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- Antillean Nighthawk Chordeiles gundlachii
- Buff-collared Nightjar Antrostomus ridgwayi
- Chuck-will's-widow Antrostomus carolinensis
- Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor
- Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
- Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
- Eared Poorwill Nyctiphrynus mcleodii
- Eastern Whip-poor-will Antrostomus vociferus
- Gray Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka
- Mexican Whip-poor-will Antrostomus arizonae
- Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus
- Spot-tailed Nightjar Antiurus maculicaudus
Know when the Lesser Nighthawk turns up near you
How rare bird alerts work →Gear for spotting Lesser Nighthawk
Optics
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You don't need to spend a fortune. These four pairs will get you birding confidently on day one.
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Cameras
Cameras for Bird Photography
From phone adapters to dedicated rigs, here's what actually works for capturing birds in the field.
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