In Wyoming and western Kansas I've encountered some type of bird at night that evidently nests on or near the ground in badlands. When you get near the nest, they silently take flight and swoop down directly behind your head, then make a very loud roaring noise (I suppose with air rushing between their feathers) that scares the bejusus out of you even if you are expecting it. I've never been able to catch sight of this bird because it's always been dark when I encountered them. Does anyone know what type of bird does this?
2006-06-12 17:05:18 · 4 answers · asked by That's not what I have seen. 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
To protect its nest I suppose.
2006-06-12 17:17:23 · answer #1 · answered by KNOW ALL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Common nighthawks will "boom" as they snap open their wings at the end of a dive. You are probably disturbing insects as you walk, which would be why they're swooping right behind you.
Here's a site with some info and a picture.
I've only seen them at dawn, and that booming is sweet but eerie.
2006-06-12 17:47:33 · answer #2 · answered by candy2mercy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That to me sounds like it could be an Owl. They are more silent usually but you are just hearing the wind as they are flying by. And since this is at night. It makes me thing of an owl even more cause they hunt at night.
2006-06-12 18:23:52 · answer #3 · answered by caley44312 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ditto. I think it's a nighthawk. They fly high then swoop down while bending in the tips of their wings as part of courtship and territorial displays.
2006-06-12 18:02:26 · answer #4 · answered by rhymeswithsixteen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋