Nacunda Nighthawks and Southern Lapwings

Nacunda Nighthawk in pasture

     The Nacunda Nighthawk, one of the most common nightjars at Refugio da Ilha,  can be found in large groups in pastures and other open areas, sometimes in large groups, during daylight hours.  When perched the nighthawks, camouflaged in shades of gray and brown, remain hidden until someone walks too close and the birds fly up, displaying a striking pattern of black-and-white on the underside of the bird that is reminiscent of the Southern Lapwing, another common bird of pastures and open areas.  The similarity between these two species in flight can cause momentary confusion when it comes two identification, so it is important to remember two behavioral differences between these two species.  First, Nacunda Nighthawks are generally silent when flushed while Lapwings complain loudly when disturbed.  Second, is that the night hawks are often found in groups of a dozen or more while are usually found in groups of two to four birds.

Southern Lapwing standing by the road