BirdAnalyst
Species · Colorado · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Common Nighthawk Population Trend in Colorado

All statesAerial insectivores

Common Nighthawk in Colorado has surged: up 83% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+83%Since 1970
145Routes In State
56Years

Notable Common Nighthawk Trends in Colorado

long arc increasecomputed index

Common Nighthawk has surged in Colorado: up 83% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Common Nighthawk Population Forecast in Colorado

If the recent trend holds, Common Nighthawk in Colorado is projected to rise about 10% by 2029 — from 1.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.8 (95% range 0.00–4.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±36.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+10%Change by 2029
1.8Projected 2029 index
0.00–4.295% range
±36.3%Backtest error
19682029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20251.90.004.4
20261.90.004.3
20271.90.004.3
20281.80.004.3
20291.80.004.2

Common Nighthawk Survey Routes in Colorado

Routes recording Common Nighthawk in Colorado.
Abarr1520241970
Neegrande1120241993
Mesita1120242005
Mica Butte1019871971
Cokedale1020241995
Pinos Creek919901988
Stoneham920211993
Wilson Creek820241990
Basin820231995
Limon720182013
Pritchett720241995
Rockport720241994
Briggsdale620211971
Rush620221984
Waverly620181990
Alamosa620241988
Buffalo Park620231992
Pinon620241992
Aspen520102009
Gilpin520241970
Cone Mtn520241988
Haswell520241992
Radium520111998
Gardner520241998
Yampa420231970

Common Nighthawk Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.