The Antillean nighthawk is a nightjar native to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Florida Keys.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
The Antillean nighthawk breeds across the Bahamas, Greater Antilles, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos, with a seasonal presence in the Florida Keys. It migrates to northern South America for the nonbreeding season. The species prefers open, sparsely vegetated habitats such as coastal scrub, beaches, dunes, airfields, and flat gravel rooftops in towns. It also hunts over lagoons, pastures, and along forest edges where flying insects concentrate. During migration it appears over islands, coastlines, and open lowland countryside.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This crepuscular nightjar is often detected by its sharp, nasal calls and the bold white wing bars that flash in low light. It frequently nests on bare ground or flat gravel rooftops, laying well-camouflaged eggs without a built nest. Males perform dramatic booming display dives created by air rushing over the wings. It is closely related to the Common Nighthawk but differs in voice and subtle plumage tones.
Temperament
crepuscular and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
buoyant and erratic with short rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in loose foraging groups, becoming territorial around nesting sites. Nests are simple ground scrapes or bare patches where two well-camouflaged eggs are laid. Males perform aerial displays with a characteristic booming dive and chase intruders from territories.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Calls are sharp, nasal pik or kit notes, often given in rapid series at dusk and dawn. Males produce a deep whoom or boom sound during display dives as air rushes over the primaries.
