The robin-sized common nighthawk has long, pointed wings, appearing like a hawk or falcon, thus the name. While mostly active at night, sometimes they will fly around during the day.

Common Nighthawks are usually between nine and 10 inches in length, and have wingspans of about 22 inches. They have a mixture of buff, brown, black, white and gray coloring.

When there are high numbers of these insects, more nighthawks are observed. The nighthawks feed on the wing during migration. It is a spectacle worth checking out.

"The common nighthawk hunts on the wing at dawn and dusk, opening its tiny beak to reveal a cavernous mouth well suited for snapping up flying insects," Cornell writes in its profile of the species.

A common nighthawk in flight displays its distinctive white wing patches. Since I was old enough to look skyward, nighthawks have been my favorite sign of the fall migration.

In addition to their cool, dual boomerang shape, they have a wonderful breeding display given periodically during bouts of aerial foraging. This consists of periodic dives wherein the wings make a ...

In addition to their cool, dual boomerang shape, they have a wonderful breeding display given periodically during bouts of aerial foraging. This consists of periodic dives wherein the wings make a ...

Here’s the Central Texas bird forecast for the month, courtesy of Travis Audubon. Learn more about Central Texas birds and bird-related events for all ages at travisaudubon.org or by calling 512 ...

A common nighthawk in flight displays its distinctive white wing patches. Since I was old enough to look skyward, nighthawks have been my favorite sign of the fall migration.