Light-colored nighthawk of Amazonian rivers. Tan with fine patterning and largely white underparts. Appears evenly tan when perched, blending in with the beach or branch it is perched on; in flight, broad white wing stripe and white breast and belly contrast highly with black areas. Roosts on beaches and exposed branches and logs along rivers, foraging for insects low over beaches and rivers and sometimes higher in the sky, usually at dusk. Often roosts and forages in large flocks, occasionally upwards of 100 individuals. Similar only to Nacunda Nighthawk, which is much larger with broader wing tips, and a distinct white wing band on each wing contrasting with black wing tip (not a large wedge of white as in Sand-colored).
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Explore Sand-colored Nighthawk