This bird, known as a Common Nighthawk, is an uncommon patient at our wildlife rehabilitation hospital. These birds present unique challenges in care — unlike many other species, nighthawks feed on the wing, catching insects mid-flight. This means they won’t eat food left in a dish. Instead, we must hand-feed them, with the hope that they’ll eventually allow us to place food into their wide, delicate beaks.Why did this nighthawk need our help? It was found grounded on the side of the road, likel

“The Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) typically gives a nasal 'peent' in flight, but during the breeding season the males will make this unearthly 'booming' noise (@ 12s in the recording). The sound is entirely mechanical, made by flexing the wings in a steep dive and forcing air through the wing feathers. This display is mostly done to impress females, but sometimes also to intimidate intruders (me in this case).” – Jacob Saucier, Division of Birds #SummerRoadTrip #Playlist | Smithsonian Nat