Antillean Nighthawk

The Antillean nighthawk, Chordeiles gundlachii, is a nightjar that graces the skies of the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and the Florida Keys. This bird is a tribute to the Cuban naturalist Juan Gundlach, as reflected in its specific epithet. Adults exhibit a cryptic blend of brown, grey, and white patterns across their upperparts and breast. In flight, their long, black wings reveal a striking white bar, while their dark tails are adorned with white barring. The underparts are a contrasting white with black bars. Males can be distinguished by their white throats, whereas females have a more subdued light brown throat. A key feature to differentiate this species from its close relative, the common nighthawk, is the presence of contrasting pale tertials on the wings of a perched bird. There are two color morphs observed within the species: gray and rufous.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Antillean nighthawk, look for the contrasting pale tertials near the back of the wings on a sitting bird. The male's white throat and the female's light brown throat are also helpful markers. In flight, the white bar on the black wings is a distinctive characteristic.

Habitat

The Antillean nighthawk favors open country habitats within the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, the Bahamas, and the Florida Keys. They are known to nest on bare ground, which may include elevated spots such as stumps or gravel roofs. These birds are particularly drawn to areas that have been recently cleared in forests, as well as airport fields, cane fields, and pastures.

Distribution

This species is native to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and the Florida Keys. While their migration patterns are not fully understood, there is evidence suggesting they may travel to North and Central South America.

Behaviour

The Antillean nighthawk is known for its aerial display, which involves ascending with a distinctive call note followed by a dive, pulling out just before reaching the ground to create a rush of air and a unique sound.

Song & Calls

The Antillean nighthawk's call is a succinct "pikadik," often heard overhead. This call is distinct from the common nighthawk's, which is less consistently heard. In the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, the bird is affectionately known as "querequequé," a name derived from the Taíno language that mimics the sound of its call.

Breeding

After raising their young, Antillean nighthawks migrate out of their breeding range, though their wintering grounds remain a mystery. The female typically lays two eggs directly on the bare ground, with no nest structure. She is primarily responsible for incubation, which lasts about 20 days, and the young fledge at a similar age.

Diet and Feeding

These nighthawks are insectivorous, adeptly catching flying insects mid-air. They are most active during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk, and occasionally at night when the moon is full.

Conservation status

The Antillean nighthawk is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any immediate threat of extinction.