Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
This species has shown both long and short-term declines in population. A 49% decline was determined for areas surveyed over three Nighthawk generations (10 years). Reduction of food sources has apparently contributed to the decline and that of several other aerial insectivores. The amount of habitat in PEI is reduced by declines in the number and quality of gravel rooftops in urban areas. Common Nighthawks used to nest on flat gravel roofs in Charlottetown, and naturally on the ground in wild open habitats.
Though a widespread breeding bird across southern and boreal Canada, only 10 observations were made on PEI during the Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas (1986-1991), and only five in the Second Atlas period (2006-2011). Its population in southern Canada has declined by 68% since 1970, but the rate of decline has slowed. Nighthawks remain abundant further north in boreal habitats. Threats that reduce the numbers of flying insects that this species depends on can be attributed to agricultural pesticide use, and changes in precipitation and temperature. More severe or extreme weather events are also likely reducing productivity and increasing mortality in the Common Nighthawk.