General

Antillean Nighthawk: Large nightjar, buff to pale cinnamon-brown overall with fine, dark bars and conspicuous white throat. White patches on long, pointed wings are visible in flight. Tail is long and slightly notched with white subterminal tail band. Bill is tiny and bordered with bristles. Female and juvenile lack white tail band.

Range and Habitat

Antillean Nighthawk: Breeds in the Florida Keys, wandering further north during the summer; accidental visitor as far west as Louisiana and as far north as the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Probably winters in South America. Also occurs in West Indies. Prefers open and semi-open areas, including pastures, fields, savannas, and pine barrens.

Breeding and Nesting

Antillean Nighthawk: One or two white to olive eggs, heavily marked with dark olive, are laid among leaves, sand, or gravel, in a scrape on the ground. Incubation ranges from 19 to 20 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Antillean Nighthawk: Catches insects in the air, assisted by bristles surrounding mouth.

Vocalization

Antillean Nighthawk: Call is "pity-pit-pit" or "kady-dit, kady-dit, kady-dit."

Similar Species

Antillean Nighthawk: Common Nighthawk is larger, has longer wings, and different call.