Summary

  • Status in VT: Declined by 91% (23 to 2 blocks). Losses occurred in every biophysical region.
  • Data from other research: No additional data in VT.
  • Conservation status: State rank S1B; SSC; SGCN-H
  • Other atlases: Average -70% in MD, NY and PA; ON: -39%
  • VT’s role North American range: VT is within the core of the range.
  • Causes of change since first Atlas: Loss of preferred nesting areas, especially gravel on flat-roofed buildings; loss of upland openings due to succession, urban/suburban development; increased predation (crows, feral cats); pesticide use on breeding grounds, especially for mosquitoes; pesticide use on wintering grounds (?); vehicle collision while roosting on gravel roads (?).
  • Management/Monitoring recommendations: Provide gravel on flat roof tops for nesting (see Nighthawk Gravel Nest Patch Handbook); restore habitat, especially on lakeshore and in riparian areas.

First Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (1976-1981)

Species Account

Second Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (2003 – 2007)

Common Nighthawk Map 1 Common Nighthawk Table 1 Common Nighthawk Table 2

Change in Distribution

mapkey Common Nighthawk Map 2 Common Nighthawk Table 3

Links

Vermont eBird

Encyclopedia of Life

All About Birds