Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) is a mysterious and acrobatic bird of the twilight hours, often seen swooping through the evening sky in search of insects. Despite its name, the nighthawk isn’t a hawk at all—it’s a member of the nightjar family, built for speed, stealth, and silent flight.

With long, pointed wings and a streamlined body, the nighthawk is a master aerialist. Its mottled brown and gray plumage offers perfect camouflage against tree bark, gravel rooftops, or forest floors during the day, where it rests nearly invisible. But as the sun sets, this bird comes alive, darting through the dusk in graceful, looping patterns, chasing down moths and beetles mid-air with its wide, gaping mouth.

One of the most iconic sounds of summer evenings in North America is the nighthawk’s “peent” call, followed by the dramatic, booming whoosh of air created by its wings during steep courtship dives. These aerial stunts aren’t just for show—they’re part of an elaborate display to attract mates or defend territory.

Unlike many birds, nighthawks don’t build nests. Instead, they lay their eggs directly on open ground or flat rooftops, relying on their cryptic coloring to protect them from predators.

Symbolizing freedom, mystery, and the quiet power of twilight, the Nighthawk is a sky-dancing spirit of the in-between hours—elegant, elusive, and endlessly fascinating.