Nighthawk Fun for Kids

The Nighthawk is a special bird that flies and sings at dusk. Kids love watching its swooping wings and hearing its buzzy call. This bird chases insects in the sky, making it cool and useful.

Watch a Nighthawk in Action!

Here is a fun video showing a Common Nighthawk flying and hunting at dusk. This shows how it moves and sounds in nature.

What is a Nighthawk?

The Nighthawk is a bird that comes out when the sun goes down. It has long wings, a wide mouth, and flies fast to catch bugs.

• Comes from the nightjar family
• Has a wide, gaping mouth to scoop insects
• Flies in zig-zag patterns at dusk
• Has brown, gray, and white feathers for camouflage

Where do Nighthawks Live?

Nighthawks live in many places across North America and South America. They like open spaces and even cities!

• Found across much of the United States and Canada during warm months
• Spend winters in Central and South America
• Live in open fields, forests clearings, grasslands, and even on gravel roofs

What do Nighthawks Eat?

Nighthawks eat flying insects that come out at night. They eat mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and flying ants.

• Catches bugs while flying with its big mouth
• Eats moths, beetles, grasshoppers, flying ants, and mosquitoes
• Often hunts near streetlights where lots of bugs fly

How Big Is a Nighthawk?

Nighthawks are about the size of a crow or robin. They are lightweight and easy to watch in flight!

• Length: about 22–26 cm (9–10 in)—like a school ruler
• Wingspan: about 51–61 cm (20–24 in)—about the width of a small backpack
• Weight: about 55–100 g (2–3.5 oz)—light as a small apple

What Sound Do Nighthawks Make?

Nighthawks make a nasal “peent” sound in flight. Males also make booming wing sounds when diving.

Cool Nighthawk Facts

Here are some fun things kids will think are amazing about Nighthawks!

• They are sometimes called “bull‑bats” because their dive sounds like a bat and bull roar
• Their wings make a loud booming sound when they dive
• They don’t build nests—they lay eggs right on the ground or gravel roofs
• They eat bugs attracted to streetlights at night
• Nighthawks migrate all the way to South America for winter
• They camouflage so well you can nearly step on one and not see it
• They live in cities, fields, and forests—almost anywhere with open space

Printables and Coloring Fun

Time for art! Color and play with Nighthawk activities.

• Download Nighthawk Coloring Page (PDF)

Nighthawks in the Eco‑system

Nighthawks help the world by eating bugs and being part of nature’s balance. Some help may be needed to keep their numbers safe.

• They eat lots of insects, helping reduce pest bugs
• Not endangered right now—population is stable but facing habitat loss
• Important during migration—travel long distances and feed many insects

Ask a Grown‑Up to Help You Learn More

Want more info? These websites are great to explore with help.

• All About Birds – Common Nighthawk
• Audubon Field Guide – Nighthawk
• American Bird Conservancy – Common Nighthawk

Fun Questions About Nighthawks

Ways to Donate and Support Nighthawks

You can help Nighthawks by protecting open spaces, planting native plants, and supporting birds. Every small effort helps.

Donate to Common Nighthawk