28 May 2026
The common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) is my Spark Bird, the species that got me hooked on birds when I was only 10. That was a long time ago when gravel roofs were still common and so were flying insects(*). Since then nighthawk populations have declined precipitously.
Lack of flat roofs, pesticides, increased predation and loss of habitat are noted factors of their decline. Further unstudied potential causes of decline include climate change, disease, road kills, man-made towers (posing aerial hazards), and parasites.
The absence of flat roofs (made with gravel) in urban settings is an important cause of decline. In an effort to provide managed breeding areas, gravel pads have been added in the corners of rubberized roofs; this proves acceptable, as nesting has been observed.
— Wikipedia: Common Nighthawk Status and Conservation
Now that gravel roofs are scarce we notice a decline in Pittsburgh every time one disappears. A nighthawk family used to breed on a roof on Craig Street, the only gravel roof left in the neighborhood, but in August 2020 (after the birds fledged) the gravel was replaced with plastic. No more nighthawks here.
Common nighthawks are virtually gone from the eastern U.S. Their range map in North America used to include our region but eastern states are now dark gray = “Outside the Modeled Seasonal Range.”
eBird Regional Trends show an even bleaker picture in state-by-state declines. The map below shows the double-digit percentage (>10) losses in orange and gains in green, 2012-2022.
Pennsylvania’s median trend was -29.12%. Colorado, the only state to gain nighthawks, had a 11.43% increase.
While birding with friends on 16 May at Presque Isle State Park we heard quite a few American robins extremely upset by something in a tree. Eventually I found their problem: a common nighthawk was roosting on a branch. Perhaps this species is so unusual, even to robins, that they had to remark on it.
Seeing a nighthawk nowadays is a gift. Every nighthawk is a victory.
The story of my Spark Bird is described in this vintage article from 2009: Not So Common Nighthawks.
(*) We are in the midst of an Insect Apocalypse which began 50+ years ago. Read about it here in the Guardian.
I was staying in a cabin at Lake Huron. It was a beautiful evening getting very close to sunset when I heard the familiar peent sound. I glanced up and approximately 8-10 Nighthawks were diving for their nightly feast!! I read the above article about there decline and it saddens me My husband and I live in the country in Nashville, Mi. and we love to hear and watch them many times on our property collecting their meals!! So blessed to be able to see them even though they are sadly disappearing a lot of places!
Nighthawks currently in Bloomfield/Friendship! Hearing them now by West Penn.
Great article as usual Kate. I saw a group of 6 nighthawks over Edinboro Lake last Sunday evening while checking on the merlin nests up here. Always fun to see & hear.
Heard one on Bakery Square tonight! Always a win.