Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

Migratory Open areas including grasslands, cities,… Common Resident Call

Learn to identify the Common Nighthawk by ear. Master the "peent + boom" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“peent”

What the Common Nighthawk sounds like

Common Nighthawks are medium-sized birds with long, pointed wings and a distinctive white bar visible in flight. They have cryptic gray-brown plumage with complex patterns that provide excellent camouflage when resting on the ground or on branches.

“peent + boom”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A distinctive, nasal 'peent' call given repeatedly while flying, often heard at dusk and dawn. Often written as “peent”.

Don't confuse with:The Lesser Nighthawk — smaller size with more rounded wings

Lessons featuring the Common Nighthawk

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Common Nighthawk's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Sky Traffic

Tier 2 · Around the Block

Nightjars After Dark

Tier 11 · The Mixers

Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Open areas including grasslands, cities, beaches, forest clearings, and gravel rooftops.

Most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), when they can be seen flying with erratic, bat-like movements hunting for insects.

Similar species

Lesser Nighthawk

Smaller size with more rounded wings

Common Poorwill

Smaller size with shorter wings

Chimney Swift

Smaller with uniformly dark plumage

Common Nighthawk sound FAQ

What does a Common Nighthawk sound like?

A distinctive, nasal 'peent' call given repeatedly while flying, often heard at dusk and dawn. Listen for the "peent + boom" phrase.

How do I tell a Common Nighthawk from a Lesser Nighthawk by sound?

Lesser Nighthawk: Smaller size with more rounded wings; White wing bar closer to wingtip; More buoyant, less erratic flight pattern.

When is the best time to hear a Common Nighthawk?

Most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), when they can be seen flying with erratic, bat-like movements hunting for insects.