Florida Keys ID's (1 Viewer)

Didn't manage to get a picture of these birds but I can give a description. Hopefully someone can try to ID them.

Bird #1- Definantly a Nighthawk seen flying over Tavernier Key. Assuming Antillean? Is there any other possibilities?

Bird #2- A medium sized bird seen in Tavernier Key. It had a very plain brown body and a tan mask. Was hanging out with Common Grackles. Common Grackle female? (It had a shorter tail)

Birds #3- I belive it was a Bobolink. I saw it from afar, but I definatley noticed a White cap or head and a otherwise black body. It was seen south of Miami but not in the Keys. Probably around Homestead. It was in a huge drainage area with fairly tall grass.

If you have any other questions about any of the birds, please ask.

Thanks in advance

For the nighthawk, I believe both Antillean and Common are possible ...

Sorry
Niels

Bummer....

Anyone have any ideas on the other ones?

Bird 1 - agree with Niels. See old article on Nighthawks in the Keys.
Bird 2 sounds like female Boat-tailed Grackle, notwithstanding your comment on tail size.
While Bird 3 sounds like it could be Bobolink, it could also be one of the many "exotics" established or just escaped in the Miami area. What date did you make this sighting? If very recent, it would be unlikely to be Bobolink as they typically pass through only on migration starting in April with the peak in early May and last ones by end May. Ebird doesn't show any sightings in this area in June.

Dave,

I saw the bird a few days ago, so I guess Bobolink is out of the picture.

Can anyone tell me the major differences between the Common Nighthawk and the Antillian Nighthawk and maybe even the other one that is rare in the Florida area? (forgot name :-C)

How about chuck-will's-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) or whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus)?

Couldn't tell the difference and haven't even seen either of them, but i do like the names.

Saw plenty of antillean and common on the keys (cayo) in cuba a couple of weeks ago.

Hope that helps,

k

trey said:

Can anyone tell me the major differences between the Common Nighthawk and the Antillian Nighthawk and maybe even the other one that is rare in the Florida area? (forgot name :-C)

Click to expand...

Trey,
Unfortunately there aren't any "major" differences that are visible, though voice is quite different. Please see the following thread for more information on separating these species via some "subtle" differences: Antillian, Common, or Lesser Nighthawk.

You'll probably just have to list this sighting as Nighthawk sp. Great to watch in any event!