Nacunda Nighthawk (Chordeiles nacunda)

Identification & Behavior: ~28 cm (11 in). The Nacunda Nighthawk is mostly gray with black spots/streaks. The belly, underwing lining, and wing bands are white.  The male has a white throat, but the female only has a white crescent on the throat. The tail is gray with a broad white terminal band. The large size, relatively round wing tips, and pale belly are diagnostic. It superficially resembles the Sand-colored Nighthawk but is distinguished by much larger size and white bands on the primary flight feathers. It often flies during the day in singles or flocks. Also, see Common Nighthawk.

Status: The Nacunda Nighthawk is a rare Austral migrant to Amazonia where it favors open areas along large rivers, airports, or similar open habitats.

Name in Spanish: Chotacabras Vientre Blanco.

Sub-species: Nacunda Nighthawk (Chordeiles nacunda nacunda). Vieillot, 1817.

Meaning of Name: Chordeiles: Gr. Khōreo= to travel and deilē= implies in the evening. nacunda: Güaraní name, Nhakundá big mouth, for the Nacunda Nighthawk.

See more of the Family Caprimulgidae