CLIPBOARD : BREEDING BIRD: LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)

Description: The lesser nighthawk is a slim-winged, tawny-gray nocturnal bird with short legs and tiny feet. Its large dark eyes are set above a small bill and white chin. Overall feathering is mottled. Below, wings are buff-colored with white wing bars located close to tip of wing. Tail is barred with white stripe near tip. Length: 8 1/2 inches.

Habitat: Prefers lowlands, scrub, arid cultivated areas, fields and dry grasslands.

Diet: Usually feeds after sunset, snaring nocturnal insects attracted to street lamps. Also hovers, moth-like, over open ground. Young are fed regurgitant.

Displays: Males perform aerial courtship displays.

Nest: Eggs laid on bare ground at base of shrub or on flat roof.

Eggs: Light-gray to pinkish-white, often with lilac markings. A little over an inch long.

Call: Low chuck chuck chuck followed by a toad-like trilling.

Notes: Hibernates when food is not available. Is neither territorial nor aggressive.

Breeding bird atlas: To report bird breeding activity in your neighborhood, or to get information on the breeding bird atlas, call Sea and Sage Audubon Society members Sylvia Gallagher, (714) 962-8990, or Nancy Kenyon, (714) 786-3160.

Note: Map is divided into 5-kilometer squares so that Audubon Society volunteers can more easily survey areas on a regular basis.

Sources: Sea and Sage Audubon Society; “The Birder’s Handbook,” Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, Fireside Books (1988); “Field Guide to the Birds of North America,” National Geographic Society (1987); “Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution,” Garrett and Dunn, Los Angeles Audubon Society (1981).

Indicates 5-kilometer-square areas where breeding activity has been confirmed.