Goatsuckers, Swifts, and Hummingbirds

Despite their very different apperances, these three bird families are all actually distant cousins, who diverged from eachotehr shortly after the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs, some 60 million years ago. They share spectacular adaptations for flight, which allows each of these birds to fill its own unique niche. They also share high-energy lifestyles, enabled by their common ability to enter a state of torpor, a short-term hibernation.

 

A white-throated swift flying on a sunny day.

NPS

White-throated Swift C*

Almost always in flight, this insectivore is often one of the easiest birds to see in the park. They only rest at night, when they will roost in crack in rocks, like those found on the Tower. Their long, sickle shaped wings and small, cigar-shaped bodies are perfectly suited for a life in the air, dominated by rapid wingbeats, arcing turns, and erratic movements as they chase after insects, nesting material, and one another.

 

A common nighthawk.

NPS

Common Nighthawk C*

Much like the white-throated swift, the common nighthawk is a small insectivore, with a similar flight style and bodyplan. They are differentiated, for one, by their crepuscular behavior, meaning that they are most active at dawn and dusk. In addition, whereas the white-throated swift roosts in cracks, the common nighthawk sleeps on the ground throughout the day, depending on their stellar camouflage to hide from predators.

 

Common Poorwill C*

A nocturnal insectivore, common poorwills are more often heard than seen, with a haunting saung of "poor-will-ip". Unlike their previously mentioned relatives, they are ambush hunters and will wait in the trees until they see an insect pass between them and the stars. Their long whiskers give them a unique appearance and help them locate insects in the dark.

 

A broad-tailed hummingbird in front of a flower.

NPS

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds R

Adored for its bright colors and love of flowers, the broad-tailed hummingbird is unfortunately rare in our park. Like its cousins, its lifestyle is enabled by impressive flight capabilities. Hummingbirds surpass all other birds in their ability to hover. Despite their famous association with flowers, they are more like their cousins than one might think. In fact, insects and spiders make up a major part of a hummingbird's diet, and their strong flight capabilities and long bills help them just as much here as it does in the search for nectar.

LEGEND:

C = Common
F = Fairly Common
U = Uncommon
O= Occasional
R = Rare
I = Introduced
* = Breeding