Page 7 - The Islander - January '25

The Islander, Page 7

northern noteS

Nightjars, Nighthawks And Chuck Will’s Widows

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Nighthawks and Chuck a “net,” helping to capture flying prey. Some evidence suggests name is an onomatopoeia
Will’s Widows are common that they may prevent particles from striking the eyes. There is from its song. As is often
birds in South Florida, but also evidence that the rictal bristles of some species may function the case with Nightjars,
most people have never seen tactilely, like that of mammalian whiskers, to help detect prey. the Chuck-Will’s-widow
one. They are members of Widows can be found in various habitats, most commonly in was named due to its song,
the Nightjar family and are open areas with some vegetation. Locally, they live in and around which to many sounds like
medium-sized nocturnal or upland preserves. Nighthawks usually spend their days hidden, a phrase composed of the
crepuscular (active at dawn sometimes in plain view, thanks to their cryptic gray, brown, and words “chuck,” “will’s,” and “widow”: “Chuck Will’s
and dusk) birds in the family blackish plumage and the birds’ squat, “neckless” shape. They Widow. Chuck-will’s-WID-ow. Chuck-will’s-WID-ow.”
Caprimulgidae. Nightjars often prove challenging to spot even while roosting quietly on The first syllable of the call is often hard for humans to
are found worldwide, except a tree branch or fence post. hear. You can hear their distinctive call in the evening or
Antarctica and certain island They usually lay their pre-dawn hours.
groups such as the Seychelles. Nightjars are primarily found eggs directly on the ground As is the case with many Nightjars worldwide, Nighthawk
in Europe, while Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s Widows are rather than in a nest. and Chuck Will’s Widow numbers are declining. The factors
found more in the New World. Nightjars, Nighthawks and They are incredibly good driving these declines
Chuck Will’s Widows belong to a family of birds with the folk at camouflage, and their are elusive, but habitat
name “goatsuckers.” The family name, Caprimulgidae, literally coloring allows them to destruction, declining
means “milker of goats” and is based on an ancient belief that blend in remarkably well with the leaves and trees around insect populations, and
the birds milked goats with their enormous mouths each night. them. Their soft plumage is colored to resemble bark or pesticide contamination
In reality, the birds’ attraction leaves, protecting them from their primary predators: foxes have all been suggested as
to livestock was likely due to and raccoons. As a defense, these birds can hide in leaves potential culprits.
the presence of insects. on the ground, spread their wings and open their mouths These fantastic but
They are unique birds with to resemble cottonmouth snakes preparing to strike. Some rarely seen birds are an As a defense, these birds
a distinctive look characterized species perch face lengthwise along a branch rather than integral part of the Florida can hide in leaves on the
by long wings, small feet, across it as birds usually do to hide during the day, blending ecosystem. Now that the ground, spread their wings
short legs, and very short seamlessly with tree bark. evenings are cool, enjoy and open their mouths to
bills. They have short bills The Common Nighthawk’s erratic, acrobatic flight style a walk by a preserve resemble cottonmouth snakes
but have enormous mouths gives the bird its folk name “bullbat.” They fly alone or in area in or around your preparing to strike.
when opened to allow them groups in a looping pattern. This dusky hunter jerks and neighborhood. Listen for
to catch insects at night. They weaves through the air on long, pointed wings, flashing the call of the “widow” or watch the looping Nighthawks
have bristles around their distinctive white wing patches. as they search for dinner.
beaks called rictal bristles, Chuck Will’s Widows are the largest of the Nightjars and NPDES tip: Storms occur all year round. Make sure your
which are stiff hair-like feathers that arise around the base of are primarily nocturnal. They have enormous mouths that, yards and trees are trimmed neatly to avoid flying debris during
the beak. The function of rictal bristles is uncertain, although when open, can catch flying insects like beetles and moths a storm. Dispose of your trimmings and clippings properly—do
several possibilities have been proposed. They may function as but can even catch small birds or bats on occasion. Their not put them into storm drains or lakes!

OUR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL, SERVING SINGER ISLAND

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