Find out more. Though identifying flycatchers can be confusing, pewees are grayer overall, with. Cassin’s Kingbirds are migratory in the U. European Starling. Identification. 5 in (22 cm) and a weight of 43 g (1. It would swoop back an forth in a steady rhythm, letting out a chirp each time it would reach the. They are of average size for a kingbird, at 19-23 cm , 33-38 cm across the wings and weighing 33-55 g . This one is showing the orange-red crest. Tropical Kingbird Song:. Lockwood and Freeman (2004) rate the Eastern Kingbird as a common to uncommon summer resident and migrant in eastern Texas. S. 68 to 9. Its most similar species, the pale yellow robin, is even smaller at only 4. 60 Birding Fast Facts Common Name Description Species Photo Track Number corresponses with accompaying audio CD Photo Credit Family QuickName COMMON BIRDS Of OHIO. com is a super fun for all ages: for boys and girls, kids and adults, teenagers and toddlers, preschoolers and older kids at school. These small flycatchers perch on dead branches in the mid-canopy and sally out after flying insects. Western Kingbirds are aggressive and will. 2016, Birds of Montana. The Eastern Kingbird is a large species of flycatcher with a widespread breeding range across much of North America. This well-known songbird feeds mostly on insects and fruits and can be seen perched atop shrubs or wires along. The olive-brown Eastern Wood-Pewee is inconspicuous until it opens its bill and gives its unmistakable slurred call: pee-a-wee!—a characteristic sound of Eastern summers. Sturdy flycatcher with a black head and blackish back. We have also put together a list of. They have bright creamy eye bands and white steaks on their wings. 1. This means that these birds reproduce by laying eggs. In breeding season, typically found near water in woodland or semi-open country. John James Audubon named this bird while he was in South Carolina. On average, they weigh 1. Length. No need to worry, though, as these birds will only show their truculent nature when something threatens their nests. The Eastern Kingbird is classified as a songbird, but it is in its own songbird subgroup that innately. Lacking a raptor’s talons, Loggerhead Shrikes skewer their kills on thorns or. Its habit of constantly flicking its wings is a key identification clue. Length. They construct their nests on the earth. sequence both amusing and interesting at the same time. The tropical kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) is a large tyrant flycatcher. Fun Loggerhead Shrike Facts For Kids. Kentucky, like many states, has lost much of its native habitats. With dark gray upperparts and a neat white tip to the tail, the Eastern Kingbird looks like it’s wearing a business suit. Cedar Waxwings are mainly seen in Arizona during winter and occur in 1% of checklists at this time. Species names in all available languages. 13 Fun Facts About Owls; Get to Know These 20 Common Birds;. A tiny bird seemingly overflowing with energy, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet forages almost frantically through lower branches of shrubs and trees. Western Kingbird. An eye-catching bird with ashy gray and lemon-yellow plumage, the Western Kingbird is a familiar summertime sight in open habitats across western North America. This brave and aggressive bird is often seen chasing larger birds of all species from its territory. Sometimes aggressive toward other. BBS data produce a 95% confidence interval (There is a 95% chance that the actual population trend will be between these two numbers. ) of -2. The voice is a burst of chattering, high,. 7–5. In the United States, they are most likely to be confused with the Eastern Kingbird, but the much longer bill differentiates the Gray Kingbird. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our Amazon parrot facts and eastern kingbird facts pages. Egrets are often seen standing still in shallow water, waiting to catch fish or frogs. On average, they are 7 inches long, have a 13 inch wingspan, and weigh around 1. They typically place their mud-and-grass nests in protected nooks on bridges, barns. S. With dark gray upperparts and a neat white tip to the tail, the Eastern Kingbird looks like it’s wearing a business suit. Common and conspicuous in summer, it is often seen perched jauntily on a treetop or fence wire, or sallying out with shallow fluttering wingbeats to catch an insect in mid-air. The chicks are out in the world in two days intervals. 38-41. Large headed and heavy billed like other kingbirds, the Gray Kingbird has ashy gray upperparts that grade into dark gray-brown wings and tail, with the hint of a dark mask through the eyes. Backyard birds in Maryland all year: Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Carolina Wren, American Goldfinch, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, European Starling, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Song Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse, Mourning. Eastern Kingbirds have long been a favorite bird of mine. [1] They have long pointed wings and large broad bills. It was so fun to watch all this in a few minutes. Like Eastern, Loggerhead has white underparts, gray upperparts, a blackish cap, and a pale-tipped tail. dominicensis (N) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher T. They have a body that is about 9. Migrants in Costa Rica roost in isolated clumps of trees or amid tall coarse grass (Stiles and Skutch 1989). There are four keys to identifying Western Kingbirds: 1. Grasslands The tallgrass prairies could grow grasses more than eight feet tall. The kingbirds are a group of large insect-eating birds which prefer to live in semi-open or open areas where they wait on an exposed. with a sooty black body and crisp white belly. Smaller than a warbler or chickadee, this plain green-gray bird has a white eyering and a white bar on the wing. Information about the classification of albogularis. Eastern Neck is a 2,285-acre refuge on an island along Maryland’s Eastern. S. This is a monochromatic bird species consisting of black, dark gray, and white. The bird is predominantly dark gray with white underbelly and pointed wings. Name is somewhat misleading; it does occur over most of eastern North America but also reaches as far west as British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Adults are a combination of both gray and yellow plumage, along with crimson feathers that are hidden until courtship or against intruders. 1 in) in length and weighs from 37 to 52 g (1. Rufous Hummingbird. Oct 21, 2020 - This species is the only widespread kingbird in the east. Interesting Fact. 7 cm) in length. Eastern Kingbird and Western Kingbird are nesters, as are Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Black-headed Grosbeak, and Eastern Meadowlark and Western Meadowlark. These brown-and-white songbirds sit upright and wag their tails from prominent, low perches. 9% change. Kingbirds are regularly seen chasing and attaching hawks and crows. S. Pacific coast. Eastern Kingbirds can reach up to 20 cm in length, making them quite large for flycatcher birds. Order Gruiformes (Cranes, Rails, & Limpkins) Clapper Rail. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. An Eastern Kingbird is a fun bird to see while bird watching. The eastern kingbird lives a double life each year. There it is numerous in summer, mainly along the coasts, less common toward the north. Flycatching is the main mean of this bird to obtain food for which it builds its nest about 32. The large, bulky nest of the Cassin. A tropical kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) is a colorful songbird and is scientifically called Tyrannus melancholicus. [2] Eastern kingbirds are conspicuous and are commonly found in open areas with scattered trees and bushes, where they perch while foraging for insects. Eastern kingbirds are conspicuous and are commonly found in open areas with scattered trees and bushes, where they perch while foraging for insects. I was also delighted when the kingbirds landed on a fence near some Common Sunflowers because the flowers added a nice pop of yellow and green to the images I took. Family. Mollhoff (2004) noted that nesting was nearly synchronous across the state in 2002, with egg-laying in the east 19 Jun and incubation underway in Morrill and Sheridan Cos 22-23 Jun. As their name implies, Eastern Kingbirds are historically a bird of the eastern part of the US, and their migration patterns trace their westward expansion. Interesting facts about eastern kingbirds: Eastern kingbirds are visual hunters, catching flying insects in motion. The upper chest is gray while the lower chest is white. This husky, barrel-chested flycatcher is the largest of the pewees, with heavy grayish markings on the sides as if the bird is wearing a waistcoat. These birds are commonly found near open fields and woodlands, as well as. Eastern Phoebe. We recognize this insect and fish-eating bird by its shrill’ tee-hee chirp and tail wagging motion. Songbirds Of Texas. Fledglings: 17 Jun-4 Aug. Eggs: 3 May-26 Jul. The Eastern kingbird nests in trees or shrubs near open areas where there are lots of insects for him to eat. The genus name Sayornis is constructed from the specific part of Charles Lucien Bonaparte 's name for Say's phoebe, Muscicapa saya, and Ancient Greek ornis, "bird". These colorful feathers are located around the top of the head and are often concealed by the outer grey feathers. Black Phoebes use mud to build cup-shaped nests against walls, overhangs, culverts, and bridges. The Eastern Kingbird is one of a dozen species known to eject Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) eggs from its nest. Often perches conspicuously on a snag, treetop, or powerline. First, eastern kingbirds bear a reddish-orange crown on their heads that is often hard to see in the field. Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Scientific name definitions. Eastern Kingbird Images and Information: Tyrannus tyrannus. The olive-brown Eastern Wood-Pewee is inconspicuous until it opens its bill and gives its unmistakable slurred call: pee-a-wee!—a characteristic sound of Eastern summers. Tyrant flycatchers are the most prominent family of birds with over 400 species. DNA studies show that eastern. They typically perch in the open, where their long, forked tails make an unmistakable silhouette. Photo. Like any other flycatcher, the eastern phoebe in flight is known to swoop and capture any passing preys. Kingbird Symbolism and Meaning. Look for them singing their distinctive song on top of willows and other shrubs in early summer. Eastern Kingbird Coloring PageThe Eastern Kingbird breeds across much of the United States and south-central Canada. 52 MBEastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Scientific name definitions. The back is grayish-green, and the wing and forked tail are brown. Length: 4. These birds are known to start forming their nest around May they make these nests using twigs, grass, and weeds lined with cotton or hair. Eastern Whip-poor-will. 8 oz). Carolina wrens are bright chestnut or cinnamon-colored. An off-white chest band was evident, but the most noticeable feature was a white tip to the tail feathers that was particularly obvious when the bird was in flight. Fun Fact: Eastern Kingbirds are not named “King” for nothing. Its migration follows the emergence of insects from the North during spring. Fascinating Parrot Facts: Discover 10 You'll Adore! This species weighs about 1 or 2 ounces, and females are slightly smaller than males. These medium-sized birds are darkInteresting facts: The Eastern kingbird is an insectivore. 4x TC, natural light. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or. Please note that it is best to allow two clutches per hen in a year. They construct their nests on the earth. They will reveal their bright crests,. 3. Virginia Rail. Common migrant and summer resident. Most breeding occurs between late April and mid-May. They typically perch in the open, where their long, forked tails make an unmistakable silhouette. The Western Kingbird ( Tyrannus verticalis ) is a large tyrant flycatcher found throughout western environments of North America, as far south as Mexico. Western Kingbird. See more ideas about fun facts, bird, facts. VISIT THE BIRDS GALLERIES MORE FLORIDA NATURE FACTSSome fun facts about E name animals include: Elephant seals are the largest seal species in the world; Electric Eels can generate up to a 500 volt electric shock;. 4%, compared to a statistically significant trend of -0. 6 billion is spent on candy alone during this religious and secular spring celebration, it makes sense. Upper chest marked by faint, grayish band; dark black head often slightly crested, especially in males. When compared to other birds, a gray kingbird is almost twice smaller than an average red-tailed hawk. Cedar Waxwing. 75% of the forest is oak-hickory, though the most numerous tree species found in Kentucky’s forests is red maple. Olive-sided Flycatchers are vigorous defenders of their. S. Learn about Western x Eastern Kingbird (hybrid): explore photos, sounds, and observations collected by birders. Fun Facts for Kids Eastern kingbirds belong to tyrant flycatcher, a family of passerine birds that are found only throughout North and. Despite its small size, the Kingbird fearlessly defends its territory and nest against much larger birds, symbolizing courage and protection. Table of Contents. Gray King birds may form large communal roosts with as many as 151 individuals in a roost at one time. Monotypic. Eastern Kingbird vs. The courting behavior is not known, but once the eggs are laid, the female alone incubates them for about 20 days. Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C. These birds wait on an exposed perch and then catch insects in flight. The Eastern kingbird is migratory, with its. ; Last updated 230902: Songbirds: Birds Around Las Vegas: Wildlife Around Las Vegas:73 votes, 20 comments. For a comprehensive review of the conservation status, habitat use, and ecology of this and other Montana bird species, please see Marks et al. Large headed and heavy billed like other kingbirds, the Gray Kingbird has ashy gray upperparts that grade into dark gray-brown wings and tail, with the hint of a dark mask through the eyes. One of our most familiar eastern flycatchers, the Eastern Phoebe’s raspy “phoebe” call is a frequent sound around yards and farms in spring and summer. The courting behavior is not known, but once the eggs are laid, the female alone incubates them for about 20 days. Western kingbirds are medium to long-distance migrants that travel south at the end of summer. Eastern Kingbird. When and Where to Find in Washington. Despite their. The head is pale gray, with a darker eye mask, an orange crown stripe, and a heavy gray bill. Interesting Facts; Symbolism;. Description: This small, short-billed bird has a black cap, black bib, and white cheeks. LC Least Concern; Names (38) Monotypic; Michael T. Escapee exotics do not count in official eBird totals. This chunky, big-headed flycatcher is widespread in the Caribbean. An Eastern Kingbird is a fun bird to see while bird watching. There are more interesting articles on similar birds like the Savannah sparrow and eastern kingbird. 3-4, sometimes 5. And this big-headed, broad-shouldered bird does mean business—just watch one harassing crows, Red-tailed Hawks, Great Blue Herons, and other birds that pass over its territory. John James Audubon named this bird while he was in South Carolina. 75". To watch a kingbird is to see a bird puppeted about as it moves from a snag, hawks a group of insects, and returns to that same perch. The bird’s scientific name translates to “vociferous tyrant,” and it fits this loud, aggressive songbird well. Starting just before sunrise, breeding males perch on tree limbs or wires and give a rising series of sharp kips, culminating in a frantic burst of loud descending notes. Despite their. Learn more about Eastern Kingbird from…. Fun Fact: The green skin color of these snakes is one of the adaptations that makes life in the tree possible. Eastern kingbirds are the most widespread species in the genus Tyrranus. The Scissor-tailed flycatcher ( Tyrannus forficatus) is a long-tailed bird of the genus Tyrannus, whose members are collectively referred to as kingbirds. The wings are dark with large white wing bars and white scapulars or feathers along. The olive-brown Eastern Wood-Pewee is inconspicuous until it opens its bill and gives its unmistakable slurred call: pee-a-wee! —a characteristic sound of Eastern summers. Around 90 million chocolate bunnies are sold for Easter. Its migration follows the emergence of insects from the North during spring. Habitats Woodland, Upland, Urban and Suburban, Marine and Intertidal, Farmland, Wetland, Grassland. This bird gets its name from the fast and high-pitched cry that it makes, which sounds a lot like chick-a-dee-dee-dee. The lesser violetear ( Colibri cyanotus crissalis) is a medium-sized hummingbird species that have vibrant metallic-green colors. Eastern kingbird Eastern Kingbird Appearance and Range. This interesting combination of birds provides a unique birding opportunity. Size and Shape. Smaller than a warbler or chickadee, this plain green-gray bird has a white eyering and a white bar on the wing. This family, filled with a wide variety of flycatchers, is the largest family of birds with more than 430 known species. Of the dozen or more maddeningly similar species in the Empidonax genus, the cheery Acadian Flycatcher is the common one of mature forests of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U. The back is an unstreaked gray, the underparts are whitish with gray or brownish flanks. Eastern Kingbirds are migratory and contrary to their. They are relatively strongly. Loggerhead kingbirds are an oviparous species. They are spotted in the state. European Bee-Eater. Published on Aug 27, 2013. 7. couchii (N) Cassin's Kingbird T. Interesting Facts: The Eastern Phoebe is known to have a good memory. These flycatchers swoop after flying insects and may crash. They sally from low perches to snatch insects in midair or pounce on them on the ground. Fun Fact: Tropical Kingbirds nest near wasps or blackbirds, which are known to fiercely defend their nests and chase predators away. He eats mostly flying insects such as bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and grasshoppers. Nederlands. Look for the long, deeply forked tail that streams out behind this agile flyer and sets it apart from all other North American swallows. Birds from the northernmost and southern breeding. Newsletter. Young Eastern Kingbird and wild sunflowers – Nikon D500, f7. Western kingbirds lay around three to six eggs at once. Kingbird Activities for kids Drawing Practice: Image Warp: Desk Calendar: Jigsaw Puzzle Easy MediumThe eastern kingbird is a type of tyrant flycatcher. 5 oz) Main colors: Blue-Black, Black, White. The western is the “default” breeding yellow-bellied kingbird across vast areas of the west (especially arid lowlands); but its distribution and habitat overlap with other. Males, females and immature birds are similar in appearance. 8 million. Species names in all available languages. The Eastern Bluebird is a small thrush with a white belly and dark, peach-orange throat, breast, and flanks. Ruby-throated Hummingbird. An Eastern Kingbird is a fun bird to see while bird watching. That same peach-orange color also extends onto each side of their neck. These open-country birds have cinnamon-washed underparts and a rather gentle expression. He uses twigs, leaves, and grass to build his nest. Weight: 14 g. Fun Facts: Eastern Kingbirds are notoriously aggressive toward larger birds and potential nest predators. Up to three eggs are laid by the eastern buzzard female, which is incubated for 33-35 days. The bird is predominantly dark gray with white underbelly and pointed wings. The Eastern Kingbird nests in Northern America and is known for its militant nature. Juvenile Eastern Kingbird perched on wires. There they are found in places like southern Arizona breeding in abundance. 15. A feathered ember in a desert landscape, the male Vermilion Flycatcher is exactly what its name says: a brilliant red bird that hawks flying insects from conspicuous perches on shrub tops and fences. Listen for its high. They make a sturdy cup nest in a tree or shrub, sometimes on top of a. Eastern kingbirds belong to tyrant flycatcher, a family of passerine birds that are found only. Its habitat is spread through forested areas or urban and suburban yards or parks with large trees. birding. Feeds on insects. No results. Kiskadees sit out in the open and attract attention with incessant kis-ka-dee calls and sallying flights. west of the Mississippi River. Home; Birds. Roughly intermediate in appearance between two more widespread species that occur throughout its range, with plumage similar to Eastern Kingbird but the more robust structure of Gray Kingbird. The Eastern Kingbird, a delightful bird to watch on June mornings, marks open areas with its broad tail feathers, notched at the bottom with white. Eastern Phoebe Fun Facts What do the eastern phoebes look like?. About the Artist: Bronx artist Andre Trenier began painting murals in 2003 and since then has traveled across. They have a body that is about 9. The Eastern Kingbird. Alas, the male’s brilliant ruby crown patch usually stays hidden. Males have beautiful, deep sky-blue upperparts. Quick Overview: Tyrannus Tyrannus – Eastern Kingbird. The Eastern Kingbird is gray-black above and white below. It is found primarily in North America, ranging from southern Canada throughout much of the eastern United States. Egret. 19. The bird is predominantly dark gray with white underbelly and pointed wings. jpg 4,137 × 2,594; 3. Primarily a Caribbean species with limited range in U. gov. Creamy buff or pinkish, with blotching of brown and purple often concentrated at large end. This communal learning is possible because crows are particularly social and family-oriented birds. Its habit of constantly flicking its wings is a key identification clue. BREEDING: Nests usually on horizontal limb of isolated tree or orchard tree, in low shrub at water's edge, or on stump or snag in water; average height of 3-6 m (Terres 1980). Loggerhead kingbirds are an oviparous species. Eastern Kingbird. It is among the earliest of migrants, bringing hope that spring is at hand. Fun Fact: The western kingbird used to be called the Arkansas kingbird, even though this bird can be found in most of western North America. Kingbirds are regularly seen chasing and attaching hawks and crows. One of the most common sights in Middle and South America, the handsome Tropical Kingbird sits on utility lines, fences, and exposed trees seemingly everywhere. 0 and 16. There are more interesting articles on similar birds like the Savannah sparrow and eastern kingbird. The female lays a single clutch of around three (3) eggs and incubates over the two (2) weeks. It has red feathers in its crown that can be seen only when it. Ohio’s common counterpart is the eastern kingbird, which breeds in all 88 counties. They lay up to seven eggs which take two or nearly three weeks to hatch, and the same again for the young to leave the nest. Its aggressive behavior has earned this bird its common name. Eastern Kingbirds. During that period, the male and the female eastern phoebes feed them. The White-throated Kingbird is a species of the mostly eastern Amazon Basin as a resident species; it is a non-breeding migratory resident into the western Amazon Basin, during the austral winter. In open country of the west, the Western Kingbird is often seen perched on roadside fences and wires, flying out to snap up insects -- or to harass ravens, hawks, or other large birds that stray too close to the kingbird's nest. Note white-tipped square tail. It has strayed into Florida several times, mainly to the southeastern coast and the Keys; some individuals have remained for up to several weeks. , (1966). King Rail. Potential Changes in Abundance and Range (Future) Percent Area Occupied The percent of 20x20 km cells within the total area of the eastern United States that have been modeled to be suitable for the species. Eastern Curlew; Eastern Kingbird; Eastern Grass-Owl; Eastern Whipbird; Eastern Yellow Robin; Elegant Tern; Elf Owl; Elliot’s Pheasant; Emerald Toucanet; Emperor Goose;There are seven different species of kingbirds in North America. They chase away crows and even hawks that. Feeds on many flies, beetles, winged ants, and others. 8 ft (10 m) above the ground. An average of five eggs are laid, and most of the eastern phoebe eggs hatch within 24 hours. ML Video #432369; recorded by David O. Long-Tailed Parakeet Fun Facts What do long-tailed parakeets look like? At first impression, the long-tailed parakeet appears to be a green-colored bird with a long blue tail with central tail feathers tipped yellow or green. verticalis) nest in Nebraska (Bergin 1997), and another. They prefer semi-open or open areas. They build nests on pine trees or rocky cliffs up to 20m (787. Aggressive nest defense is apparently characteristic of the family, and average nest height is also positively correlated with length of the nestling period. These hummingbirds have many names. mm inch. The Eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) shown in the photo below. Their posture is quite erect as they patiently wait for a flying insect to appear. They are also known to take occupancy of a vacant bluebird box, as observed in some cases. Take your imagination to a new realistic level!The scientific name of the Eastern kingbird is Tyrannus tyrannus, a good clue to the bird’s militant nature. 5 to +0. Black Phoebes use mud to build cup-shaped nests against walls, overhangs, culverts, and bridges. 6 ounces; Wingspan: 15 to 16. How fast can the Eastern phoebe fly? The wingspan of the eastern phoebe is 10. Fierce protectors of their nest and surrounding territory, even against larger birds such as herons and hawks, this aggressive action taken by Kingbirds is one of the contributing factors as to why the small songbird is called a Kingbird. 459K subscribers in the birding community. The Kingbird earned its name for this feisty behavior. These big, gray-and-yellow flycatchers catch insects on impressive pursuit flights, usually returning to the same perch to eat their catch. Western Tanager. The Eastern Kingbird is a large tyrant flycatcher native to North America. It is easily recognized by its white throat patch and black body, as well as its habit of aggressively defending its nest from intruders. Although only about 20 cm (8 inches) long, a kingbird will chase birds as large as a crow or a hawk; it will even ride on the larger bird’s back and peck at its head. Young: Both parents bring food for nestlings. 12. savana (N) Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus. Eastern Kingbird Range Map. Raises one brood per year. 7 in) long, weighs 39 g (1. Sign in to see your badges. Name is somewhat misleading; it does occur over most of eastern North America but also reaches as far west as British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Length: 7. An elegant gray and salmon-pink flycatcher festooned with an absurdly long tail, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is the bird to look for on fence wires in the south-central United States. See also American crow and black. The Eastern Kingbird is a member of the flycatcher family. You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our bird coloring pages. A large flycatcher, mostly found in wooded areas, where it hunts from middle to upper level perches. Immature Eastern Kingbird looking. Birds of North America. unl. Order Apodiformes (Swifts and Hummingbirds) Chimney Swift. They typically place their mud-and-grass nests in protected nooks on bridges, barns, and houses, which adds. The Kingbird earned its name for this feisty behavior. , Huddleston, VA 24104. They spend winters in South American forests, where they eat mainly fruit. with a sooty black body and crisp white belly. Supercoloring. Diet: Mostly insects, including beetles, flies, wasps, bees, and flying ants; also, wild fruits. during the fall season. 1. Ruby. Nighthawk birds are usually grey, white, buff, and black, with pointed wings and white patches on their skin and wings.