Chordeiles minor
Silhouette: Andy Wilson · PhyloPic
In 3 days <5% in a week ~10%
The common nighthawk or bullbat (Chordeiles minor) is a medium-sized crepuscular or nocturnal bird of the Americas within the nightjar (Caprimulgidae) family, whose presence and identity are best revealed by its vocalization. Typically dark (gray, black and brown), displaying cryptic colouration and intricate patterns, this bird is difficult to spot with the naked eye during the day. This bird is most conspicuous when in its buoyant and erratic flight. The most remarkable feature of this aerial insectivore is its small beak that belies the massiveness of its mouth. Some claim appearance similarities to owls. With its horizontal stance and short legs, the common nighthawk does not travel frequently on the ground, instead preferring to perch horizontally, parallel to branches, on posts, on the ground or on a roof. The males of this species may roost together but the bird is primarily solitary. The common nighthawk shows variability in territory size.
This caprimulgid has a large, flattened head with large eyes; facially it lacks rictal bristles. The common nighthawk has long slender wings that at rest extend beyond a notched tail. There is noticeable barring on the sides and abdomen, also white wing-patches.
The common nighthawk measures 22 to 25 cm (8.7 to 9.8 in) long, displays a wing span of 51 to 61 cm (20 to 24 in) weighs 55 to 98 g (1.9 to 3.5 oz), and has a life span of 4 to 5 years. Wikipedia →
| # | City | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Austin | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Minneapolis [Saint Paul] | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 4 | Chicago | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 5 | Philadelphia | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 6 | Campo Grande | 🇧🇷 Brazil | |
| 7 | Asuncion | 🇵🇾 Paraguay | |
| 8 | Detroit | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 9 | Guatemala City | 🇬🇹 Guatemala | |
| 10 | Miami | 🇺🇸 United States |
Rare
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Common Nighthawk sighting in La Amistad International Park (Panama) on a given day, based on 182 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data from 2019 to 2026. It is the 398th most-seen of the 657 birds we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to under 5%, and over a week to about 10%, if each day is a fresh chance.
September and October
In those months about 10% of wildlife watchers report a Common Nighthawk in La Amistad International Park (Panama) on a given day, against under 5% in November to August, the lowest months.
Between 5 and 8 pm
Across all the parks we cover, that three-hour window holds the most Common Nighthawk sightings with a recorded time, and about half of them come between 6 am and 6 pm: it is most active around dawn and dusk.
17th of 44
Of the 44 parks where we can rate Common Nighthawk sightings, La Amistad International Park (Panama) ranks 17th at under 5%. The best odds are in Badlands National Park (United States, about 30%), Point Pelee National Park (Canada, about 10%) and Padre Island National Seashore (United States, about 10%).
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the Common Nighthawk is recorded against all the birds logged in La Amistad International Park (Panama) (182 verified sightings from 2019 to 2026), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
