How do nighthawks differ from true hawks?

Nighthawks and true hawks are unrelated birds that belong to entirely different biological orders. While the term "hawk" is often applied to various birds of prey in the order Accipitriformes (or Falconiformes), nighthawks are classified within the order Caprimulgiformes.512

The primary differences include:

• Classification and Anatomy: True hawks are raptors with powerful talons and sharp, hooked beaks used for hunting and dismembering prey. In contrast, nighthawks are caprimulgiforms characterized by extremely wide mouths, large eyes, and small, weak feet. Their beaks are generally reduced to small projections.123
• Activity Patterns: True hawks are primarily diurnal hunters that rely on sight to catch prey, such as small mammals, reptiles, and other birds. Nighthawks are nocturnal or crepuscular, flying at night or during dawn and dusk to catch flying insects in their mouths.425
• Plumage: Nighthawks possess soft, camouflaged plumage in shades of brown, gray, and white, which helps them blend into their surroundings during the day. Hawks exhibit a variety of raptor-specific plumage patterns suited to their predatory lifestyles.532