Lesser Nighthawk
Photo: Chuck Homler, Focus On Wildlife · CC BY-SA 4.0

Nightjars and Nighthawks

Lesser Nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

LCLeast Concern
Family
Nightjars and Nighthawks (Caprimulgidae)
Order
Caprimulgiformes

Overview

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.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.