Observations on the Incubation Behavior of a Common Nighthawk

Although the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) has been studied extensively, certain phases of its breeding biology have been considered only superficially. Among these are the incubation movements of the female, the manner in which eggs are moved, and certain activities of the male. An opportunity to investigate this behavior presented itself when a Nighthawk nested on the graveled roof of the Wildlife Building of the University of Missouri in 1957. I am indebted to Thomas S. Baskett, William J. Hamilton III, Frank McKinney, and Margaret M. Nice for assistance with the manuscript.