High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the emerald embrace of the rainforest meets the crisp kiss of cloud forest, a fascinating aerial artist paints the twilight canvas with its silent grace – the Lesser Nighthawk. This blog post, part of our series on the captivating birds of Costa Rica, delves into the world of this little wonder, a master of the disappearing act during the day and a dazzling hunter come nightfall.
A Creature of Camouflage
Spotting a Lesser Nighthawk during the day is a feat in itself. These masters of disguise prefer to roost on the ground or on a low tree branch, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. Their mottled brown, buff, and grey plumage with intricate patterns acts as a natural camouflage, making them nearly invisible amongst fallen leaves and forest debris.
Look Up for the Night Show
But as dusk descends and the symphony of the rainforest quiets, the Lesser Nighthawk takes center stage. With long, pointed wings that beat with a soft whir, they emerge into the twilight sky. Their nocturnal habits make them particularly well-suited for our mountain retreat, where the absence of light pollution allows them to thrive.
A Feast on the Wing
The Lesser Nighthawk is an insectivorous marvel. Their wide, gaping beaks are perfectly designed for snatching flying insects mid-air. With incredible agility and acrobatic maneuvers, they flit through the twilight sky, their silent hunt a testament to their remarkable eyesight and aerial prowess.
A Song in the Night
While their hunting is silent, the Lesser Nighthawk does have a vocal repertoire. Listen closely during twilight, and you might be rewarded with a series of high-pitched calls and a buzzy trill. These vocalizations are thought to be used for communication between mates and to defend their territory.
Spotting the Lesser Nighthawk at our Retreat
The open areas around our mountain retreat, with their scattered trees and clear night skies, offer excellent opportunities to witness the Lesser Nighthawk’s aerial ballet. With a little patience and a keen eye (or ear!), you might just catch a glimpse of this fascinating nocturnal hunter.
Tips for Observing the Lesser Nighthawk
- Head out as dusk approaches, when the Lesser Nighthawk becomes active.
- Look for them in open areas near the forest edge, where they hunt for insects.
- Listen for their high-pitched calls and buzzy trills.
- Be patient – spotting them can take some practice, but the reward is worth it!
By keeping these tips in mind, you might just be lucky enough to witness the magic of the Lesser Nighthawk during your stay at our Costa Rican retreat. This tiny aerial artist, with its mastery of camouflage and dazzling twilight hunt, is a true wonder of the natural world, and a reminder of the beauty that awaits those who take the time to look up.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
