Identification - The breeding male is about the size of a robin. It has a white throat and bar across its tail. Look for the white wing patch near the wrist on its long pointed wings, which is highly visible in flight. It flies mainly at dusk, although the Common Nighthawk may be seen throughout the day.
Morsels - Legend proclaims that members of this family, sometimes called Goatsuckers, were thought to suck milk from goats at night. Actually, their large mouths are effective in catching their main food item which is insects. Recently, this bird has moved into cities and towns where flat gravel roofs, playing fields, golf courses, and vacant lots have provided open environments in which to nest and feed.
