Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

418. Phalænoptilus nuttalli. 8 inches.

The smallest of the family. A handsome species, with plumage mottled black, white and gray, beautifully blended together. To be found west of the Mississippi from British Columbia to southern California. Eggs are a pure white (1.00 × .75).

WESTERN NIGHTHAWK.

420a. Chordeiles virginianus henryi. 10 inches.

The nighthawk may be distinguished from the Whip-poor-wills by its forked tail in place of the rounded tail of the “Poor-wills.” It also has a white band near the end of the tail, and across the primaries, the latter making a very conspicuous mark when in flight.

Nest.—They lay their eggs upon the ground or on a ledge with no attempt at nest building. The two eggs are a grayish white color, marbled, blotched and spotted with darker shades of gray and brown (1.20 × .95). Found from the plains to the Pacific and from British Columbia to Mexico.

SENNETT NIGHTHAWK.

420c. Chordeiles virginianus sennetti. 10 inches.

A paler and more of a grayish color than preceding. Habits the same.