Long-winged nocturnal bird which catches insects in flight often around dawn and dusk. Found in shrubby open areas. Intricate brown, buffy, and gray patterning with white patches near wingtips. Very similar to Common Nighthawk, best distinguished by the position of white wing patch: closer to wingtip on Lesser, closer to base of wing on Common, but this difference can be very difficult to judge. Also typically paler than Common with more golden buffy tones. During the day, roosts on the ground or on a tree branch.