It ranges far on its nightly forays for food and social interaction. A crucial element for a nesting nighthawk is the seclusion from human disturbance. The Lesser Nighthawk will flush the ground when an intruder approaches within a few meters of their nest. They then perform a low circling flight with accentuated wing beats. Nighthawks mostly nest in May or June, which is later than most lowland species.
Males attract females using a series of calls.
The Lesser Nighthawk prefers large open areas. They like relatively level topography and naturally open land, as opposed to disturbed open lands with weeds. They are ground nesters. They make their nest on vernal pool soils in large, open areas with low human and pet disturbances. These are a very rare bird to see, making them desirable for bird watchers to see and photograph.