The Lesser Nighthawk is the southwestern counterpart of the Common Nighthawk, found in deserts and dry scrublands. It is almost indistinguishable from the Common Nighthawk but is generally smaller and has a whirring toad-like call rather than a buzzing 'peent.' The white wing bar is located closer to the wing tip. It forages low over open ground at dusk.
Best time to see a Lesser Nighthawk
The best time to see a Lesser Nighthawk is April–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,247 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Lesser Nighthawk sightings near you
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