This week's featured bird is less common than it once was, but despite declining numbers the common nighthawk can still be seen flitting around on summer evenings while it catches insects for dinner. Superbly camouflaged for daytime roosting with its mottled plumage, this bird is a treat to see whether on the wing or calmly resting as a literal bump on a log.

I was fortunate to add a superb sighting of the common nighthawk to my life list just a few weeks ago when one spent the day roosting in one of my neighborhood trees, conveniently at eye level and just a few feet from the sidewalk. It's always a special treat to see a bird so closely, and even more so when it's an unusual one.

Have you seen a common nighthawk? Share your sightings in the comments!

Common Nighthawk
Photo © Melissa Mayntz

Bird of the Week: Common Nighthawk originally appeared on About.com Birding / Wild Birds on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 12:30:11.

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