Lesser Nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

The lesser nighthawk is a nightjar found throughout a large part of the Americas. This bird looks similar to the common nighthawk but is slightly smaller, has a slightly less deeply forked tail, and is more buffy in coloration.

A Lesser Nighthawk sleeping on the beach at South Padre Island. Photo shared on Wikipedia by Chuck Homler, Focus On Wildlife.
A Lesser Nighthawk sleeping on the beach at South Padre Island. Photo shared on Wikipedia by Chuck Homler, Focus On Wildlife.
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Community Sightings

Recent observations from the iNaturalist community

Chotacabras Menor observed by alvaro_atrogularis
Jan 12, 2026
76826 Qro., México
byAlvaro Rojas (brújula de aves)
Research Grade
· 1 ID
Lesser Nighthawk observed by kylethealligator
Jan 5, 2026
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Gainesville, FL, US
bykylethealligator
Research Grade
· 1 ID
Chotacabras Menor observed by nestorh
Dec 30, 2025
La Barra, El Salvador
byNestor Herrera
Research Grade
· 3 IDs
Lesser Nighthawk observed by captainjack0000
Dec 22, 2025
3312 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607, USA
bycaptainjack0000
Research Grade
· 1 ID
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