Antillean Nighthawk vs Boat-tailed Grackle

In short

Antillean Nighthawk and Boat-tailed Grackle are distinct in both appearance and behavior. The nighthawk is a cryptically colored nightjar, while the grackle is a large, iridescent blackbird. Their habitats and vocalizations also differ significantly.

Identification tips

• Time of Day: Antillean Nighthawks are active at dusk and dawn; grackles are active during the day.
• Plumage: Look for the nighthawk's cryptic, mottled plumage versus the grackle's glossy black or cinnamon (female) plumage.
• Size and Shape: Note the grackle's larger size and long tail compared to the nighthawk's slender build.
• Habitat: Observe the environment; nighthawks prefer open areas, while grackles are often near water or urban areas.
• Calls: Listen for the nighthawk's 'peent' versus the grackle's varied calls.

Size

The Boat-tailed Grackle is larger, with males being pigeon-sized, whereas the Antillean Nighthawk is smaller and more slender.

Plumage

Antillean Nighthawk has mottled brown and gray plumage for camouflage, while the male Boat-tailed Grackle is glossy black with iridescent blue-green tones. Female grackles are cinnamon-colored, unlike the nighthawk.

Behaviour

Antillean Nighthawks are crepuscular and nocturnal, often seen flying at dusk. Boat-tailed Grackles are diurnal and often found in noisy, social groups.

Habitat

Antillean Nighthawks are typically found in open areas and coastal regions, while Boat-tailed Grackles prefer marshes and human-altered environments along the eastern coasts.

Voice

The Boat-tailed Grackle is known for its loud and varied calls, whereas the Antillean Nighthawk has a distinctive, nasal 'peent' call.