With its cartoonishly large head, drab coloration and undersized beak, the Antillean Nighthawk may not seem like an impressive animal. However, its skills of camouflage and concealment rival those of most Marines on patrol! Now that it’s breeding season, Antillean Nighthawks have become an increasingly common sight around GTMO.
The Antillean Nighthawk (Chordeiles gundlachii) is a close relative of the Common Nighthawk, the Whippoorwill and nightjars, all of which are well known in the states. All belong to the family Caprimulgidae, from the Latin for “goat sucker”. Ancient myth has it that birds of this family prowl around at night, using their gaping, bristled mouths to rob goats of their milk, causing their udders to dry up.
While none of the members of Caprimulgidae live up to their ancient reputation, their large mouths do serve them well as they fly about, devouring insects in midair.
Antillean Nighthawks are common residents of Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Hispaniola. They spend the breeding season in the Caribbean and are thought to winter in South America. Around GTMO, Antillean Nighthawks can usually be sighted at dusk and dawn as they hunt for insects. In flight, they are best identified by their narrow pointed wings, white wing patches and stocky brown body. Their raspy, unmelodic call is well-approximated by their Cuban name, Querequete. Like the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), Antillean Nighthawks can often be heard “booming” as they fly. In attempts to impress potential mates, males make this loud booming sound by vibrating their primary (wing) feathers. Look and listen for nighthawks around Graffiti Hill, the ridgeline trail and any dry, rocky areas with little vegetation.
It’s breeding season (for the birds, that is) in GTMO
and June is a peak month for Nighthawk nesting. Unlike most birds,
Antillean Nighthawks don’t build a nest. Instead, the female
lays her eggs (usually one to two) right on the ground amidst
gravel, loose dirt or leaf litter. Nighthawks rely on their skills
of camouflage to conceal their eggs and nestlings. When incubating
or brooding, the adult sits perfectly still over the eggs or nestlings,
eyes closed and head tucked against its chest. Its mottled brown,
buff and white plumage allows it to escape detection by even the
sharpest of eyes. Antillean Nighthawks will not leave their nests
unless under direct threat, often flushing from the ground only
when someone is standing directly over them.
Because their nests are so exposed, it’s important that you
are especially careful this month in areas where they might be
breeding. If you flush an adult from the ground or see one fly
up suddenly in front of you, please take the following precautions:
· Watch your step! Both nighthawk eggs and nestlings are hard to spot at first glance. Nighthawk eggs are approximately one inch long and grayish-white with heavy gray or brown spotting. Nestlings are covered in reddish-buff down, which darkens in color as they get older. They remain quite still, even after their parents have flown away from them.
· Don’t handle, move or disturb eggs or nestlings. Even if you think you’re being helpful, it’s better to let nature take its course. When you disturb the contents of a nest, you increase the risk of predation or even abandonment by the parents. Nestlings and eggs are very fragile and can easily be killed or hurt if handled.
· Leave the nesting area as quickly as possible. Adults won’t usually return to a nest unless you are a safe distance from it. The longer an adult is off the nest, the higher the risk of mortality. Leaving an egg exposed to the hot GTMO sun, wind or rain for as little as 10 to 15 minutes can kill the embryo inside. Avoid making repeat trips through a potential nesting area, even if you don’t actually see eggs or nestlings when you flush a nighthawk.
As with any part of nature in Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere, the Antillean Nighthawk deserves your respect and commitment to its well being. Remember, conservation begins with you!
To report any nest sightings or any other interesting wildlife activity, please contact PWD Environmental at 4662, Ext. 321.
