What Birds Are Nocturnal? Owls, Nightjars, and More

Many people wonder, what birds are nocturnal, especially when they hear mysterious calls echoing through the night. The truth is, while most birds are diurnal—active during daylight—several species have adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle. These include owls, nightjars, nighthawks, and certain species of rails and herons. Among them, owls are perhaps the most iconic nocturnal birds, known for their silent flight and exceptional night vision. Understanding which birds are active at night not only satisfies curiosity but also enhances birdwatching experiences and deepens our appreciation of avian diversity.

Defining Nocturnality in Birds

Nocturnal birds are those that are primarily active during the night and rest during the day. This behavioral adaptation allows them to exploit ecological niches with less competition and avoid daytime predators. Unlike mammals such as bats or raccoons, truly nocturnal birds are relatively rare. Most bird species rely on sight for navigation and foraging, which limits nighttime activity. However, some birds have evolved specialized adaptations—such as enhanced hearing, low-light vision, and silent flight—that enable them to thrive after dark.

The shift to nocturnality often correlates with feeding habits. For example, insectivorous birds like nighthawks hunt moths and beetles that become active at dusk. Similarly, owls prey on rodents and small animals that emerge under cover of darkness. These behaviors make nocturnal birds essential components of balanced ecosystems, particularly in controlling pest populations.

Owls: Masters of the Night

When discussing what birds are nocturnal, owls immediately come to mind. With over 200 species worldwide, owls are among the most well-known and widespread nocturnal birds. They belong to the order Strigiformes and are divided into two families: Tytonidae (barn owls) and Strigidae (typical owls). Barn owls, recognizable by their heart-shaped facial discs, are found on every continent except Antarctica and are highly effective nocturnal hunters.

Owls possess several unique biological features that support their nighttime lifestyle:

• Exceptional hearing: Asymmetrical ear placements allow precise sound localization, helping them detect prey in complete darkness.
• Tubular eyes: Their large, forward-facing eyes gather more light, providing superior night vision.
\li>Silent flight: Specialized feathers reduce turbulence and noise, enabling stealthy approaches to prey.
• Crepuscular activity: While many owls are strictly nocturnal, some species, like the short-eared owl, are crepuscular—most active during dawn and dusk.

Common nocturnal owl species include the great horned owl, eastern screech-owl, barred owl, and northern saw-whet owl. Each has distinct vocalizations, making them identifiable even when unseen. Birdwatchers often locate owls by listening for hoots, whinnies, or trills during late evening hours.

Nightjars and Nighthawks: Twilight Hunters

Beyond owls, another group of nocturnal birds belongs to the family Caprimulgidae—commonly known as nightjars or nighthawks. Despite their name, nighthawks are not hawks but rather insectivorous birds adapted for aerial feeding at night. Members of this family include the common nighthawk, whip-poor-will, and chuck-will's-widow.

These birds exhibit fascinating behaviors:

• They fly with erratic, bat-like movements to catch flying insects such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles.
• They lack strong perching feet and typically nest on the ground, relying on camouflage to avoid detection.
• They are most active during twilight hours—making them technically crepuscular—but remain active well into the night.

Their haunting, repetitive calls—like the whip-poor-will’s namesake song—are often heard in rural woodlands and open fields. Unfortunately, populations of many nightjar species are declining due to habitat loss and reduced insect availability, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

Nightly Herons and Rails

While less commonly recognized, some waterbirds also display nocturnal tendencies. The black-crowned night heron, for instance, is primarily active at night despite spending daylight hours roosting in trees or reed beds. This medium-sized heron feeds on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans in wetlands and marshes under the cover of darkness.

Similarly, certain rail species, such as the Virginia rail and sora, may forage at night, especially during migration or in areas with high human disturbance. These secretive birds inhabit dense vegetation near water and are more often heard than seen. Their grunting, clicking, and whinnying calls can be detected after sunset in suitable habitats.

Unlike owls or nightjars, these birds do not have specialized night-vision adaptations but instead rely on tactile feeding and familiarity with their environment to navigate and find food in low light.

Regional Differences in Nocturnal Bird Activity

The presence and behavior of nocturnal birds vary significantly by region. In North America, for example, the great horned owl and common nighthawk are widespread, whereas in tropical regions like Southeast Asia or Central Africa, one might encounter frogmouths or potoos—both nocturnal insectivores with remarkable camouflage.

In urban environments, artificial lighting can influence nocturnal bird activity. Some species, like the barn owl, may avoid brightly lit areas, while others adapt to city life. For instance, black-crowned night herons have been observed feeding beneath illuminated bridges where fish are easier to spot.

Climate and seasonal changes also affect nocturnal patterns. During breeding season, many nocturnal birds increase their vocalizations to attract mates or defend territory. In winter, some species may alter their activity times based on temperature and prey availability.

Bird Species	Primary Activity Time	Habitat	Distinguishing Features
Great Horned Owl	Nocturnal	Forests, deserts, urban parks	Ear tufts, powerful talons, deep hoot
Common Nighthawk	Crepuscular/Nocturnal	Open fields, cities, rooftops	Long wings, booming dive call
Black-crowned Night Heron	Nocturnal	Wetlands, marshes, rivers	Stocky build, red eyes, stealthy stalk
Whip-poor-will	Crepuscular/Nocturnal	Woodlands, forest edges	Repetitive call, cryptic plumage
Barn Owl	Nocturnal	Barns, cliffs, hollow trees	Heart-shaped face, silent flight

How to Observe Nocturnal Birds Safely and Ethically

Observing nocturnal birds can be a rewarding experience, but it requires preparation and respect for wildlife. Here are practical tips for successful and responsible night birding:

1. Use auditory cues: Many nocturnal birds are heard before they’re seen. Learn their calls using field guides or apps like Merlin Bird ID or eBird.
2. Minimize light use: If using a flashlight, cover it with red cellophane. Red light is less disruptive to night-adapted animals.
3. Avoid playback overuse: Playing recorded calls can stress birds, especially during nesting season. Use sparingly and only when necessary.
4. Visit appropriate habitats: Look for forests, wetlands, or open fields at dusk or just after sunset.
5. Be patient and quiet: Sit still and listen. Movement and noise can scare off sensitive species.

Binoculars with good low-light performance and a notebook for logging sightings enhance the experience. Always follow local regulations and avoid trespassing on private property.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Nocturnal Birds

Several myths persist about birds that are active at night. One common misconception is that all owls hoot. In reality, some species whistle, screech, or hiss. Another myth is that nocturnal birds can see in complete darkness. While their vision is highly adapted to low light, they still require some ambient light to navigate.

Additionally, not all birds seen at night are truly nocturnal. For example, robins or sparrows may sing early in the morning due to artificial lighting—a behavior known as “extended dawn chorus”—but they are not nocturnal.

Conservation Challenges Facing Nocturnal Birds

Nocturnal birds face growing threats from habitat destruction, light pollution, pesticide use, and climate change. Artificial lights disorient migrating birds and disrupt natural behaviors. Pesticides reduce insect populations, affecting nightjars and nighthawks that depend on them for food.

Conservation strategies include preserving natural habitats, reducing outdoor lighting, and supporting citizen science projects like the North American Nightjar Survey. Individuals can help by creating bird-friendly yards, keeping cats indoors, and reporting sightings to databases like iNaturalist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any songbirds that are nocturnal?

Most songbirds are diurnal, but a few, like the nightingale, are known to sing at night during breeding season. However, they are not fully nocturnal in terms of foraging or movement.

Can you see nocturnal birds during the day?

Yes, occasionally. Owls may be spotted roosting in trees during daylight, especially in dense foliage. However, they are usually inactive and may fly away if disturbed.

Why do some birds call at night?

Birds call at night for various reasons: to establish territory, attract mates, or communicate with flock members. Owls and nightjars use vocalizations extensively after dark.

Do migratory birds fly at night?

Yes, many migratory songbirds travel at night to avoid predators and take advantage of calmer atmospheric conditions. This doesn’t make them nocturnal, but it explains nighttime flight calls.

What should I do if I find an injured nocturnal bird?

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to feed or handle the bird unless absolutely necessary for safety.