The Secret Life of Nightjars, Arizona’s Nocturnal Bird

Arizona's summers get hot, and a lot of animals would rather be outside at night then during the day when the heat reaches its peak. Nightjars are among Arizona's most rare nocturnal animals, and they aren't at all what you would expect.

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the night sky is filled with stars and clouds

What is a Nightjar?

Nightjars are a species of nocturnal bird that fly around silently, hunting insects when the rest of the desert is asleep. These silent hunters have feathers that blend in with gravel and dirt, soft wings that are nearly silent, and a wide beak that makes it easy for scooping up insects. Nightjars are in the same family as nighthawks and poorwills, but they are smaller, and much more subtle.

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A camouflaged bird rests amongst foliage

 Activities

Nightjars are active usually a few hours after the sunsets. They feed on flying insects and bugs, such as moths, butterflies, and mosquitos. Nightjars can also eat other insets like worms and will swoop down to the desert floor to grab them.

These birds are also among some of the few species who do not build nests. When they lay their eggs, they find a sandy patch of ground and burry them where predators aren't likely to look. Sometimes nightjars lay their eggs in fallen leaves or under the cover of a bush.

a bird that is sitting on a tree branch

Where you can find them

Nightjars are rare to see, as they thrive during the warm nights of the desert. They are mostly found in Arizona, Mexico, and other southern regions of North America. There are specific species of nightjars found in more humid areas such a South America and parrs of Europe as well. Nightjars thrive in canyons and near rivers where insects are extremely common, and easy to catch.

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A camouflaged bird rests on a tree branch.

Chances are you aren't going to see a nightjar for yourself, as they are nocturnal, quiet, and blend in with their environment seamlessly. Regardless, they are some of Arizona's most interesting nighttime species. This summer, take a night to sit outside and listen to some of the deserts most interesting creatures waking up.

CONTINUE READING: What Wildlife Comes Alive At Night In The Arizona Desert?