Lesser nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

The lesser nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) is a nightjar found throughout a large part of the Americas.

Family: Caprimulgidae Order: Caprimulgiformes Conservation: Least Concern
Lesser nighthawk

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.

Fun Facts About Lesser nighthawk

  • 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.

Conservation Status

The Lesser nighthawk is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderCaprimulgiformes
FamilyCaprimulgidae
GenusChordeiles
SpeciesChordeiles acutipennis

Range & Habitat

Range map of Lesser nighthawk

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Related Species

Other species in the Caprimulgidae family: