Habitat and Distribution
The Common Nighthawk may be found in forests, desert, savannahs, beach and desert scrub, cities, and prairies, at elevations of sea level or below to 12000 ft / 3600 m . They are one of a handful of birds that are known to inhabit recently burned forests, and then dwindle in numbers, as successional growth occurs over the succeeding years or decades. The Common Nighthawk is drawn into urban built-up areas by insects.
The Common Nighthawk is the only Nighthawk occurring over the majority of northern North America.
Food availability is likely a key factor in determining which and when areas are suitable for habitation. The Common Nighthawk is not well designed to survive in poor conditions, specifically low food availability. Therefore, a constant food supply consistent with warmer temperatures is a driving force for migration and ultimately survival.
It is thought that the bird is not able to enter torpor, although recent evidence suggests the opposite.
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