Wildlife

Common Nighthawk Welfare: Aerial Insectivores Under Pressure

Welfare and conservation overview for common nighthawks — declining aerial insectivores affected by insect loss and habitat change.

Key Facts

Common nighthawks are long-distance migrants breeding in North America and wintering in South America
Like other aerial insectivores, nighthawks have experienced steep population declines
Insect biomass loss — driven by pesticides and light pollution — reduces food availability
Nighthawks nest on open ground or flat rooftops and are vulnerable to disturbance
Light pollution affects insect prey availability and disrupts nighthawk foraging
Migration journeys are energetically extreme — birds must find adequate food at stopover sites
Welfare during migration includes risk of exhaustion, collision with structures, and predation
Breeding welfare is affected by nest site quality and food availability near breeding areas

Welfare Significance

Nighthawk welfare reflects broader insect population trends. As aerial insectivores depend entirely on flying insects, declining insect biomass is a direct welfare threat — hungry birds, reduced breeding success, and increased mortality during migration. Addressing insect loss through pesticide reduction and light pollution management is essential.

What You Can Do

Reduce or eliminate pesticide use in gardens and on farmland
Use wildlife-friendly outdoor lighting — reduce or eliminate unnecessary light at night
Support flat rooftop nesting by installing gravel nesting pads on commercial buildings
Advocate for insect-friendly land management policies