Whip-poor-will

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Caprimulgus vociferus

Type: bird

Status:

Species Guide

Whip-poor-will

Caprimulgus vociferus

Species Type: bird

Conservation Status:

IDENTIFICATION

The whip-poor-will is within a Family of birds known as Caprimulgidae or “goatsuckers”. These largely nocturnal birds were called goatsuckers under the mistaken belief that they fed by suckling on goats during the night. Like all goatsuckers, the whip-poor-will is cryptically camouflaged and has a large head with large eyes and a tiny bill. It is largely gray-brown in color with a white throat.

This species is primarily nocturnal. They are very difficult to see when they are perched since they blend-in so well with their surroundings. In flight, they have rounded wings and a rounded tail. Males have large white tail patches. These patches are buff-colored on females.

Like other goatsuckers, the whip-poor-will is often heard at night. Their call is a repeated, melodious WHIP poor WILL.

Distribution & Habitat

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

The breeding range of the whip-poor-will includes southeastern Canada, the eastern half of the U.S., and the U.S. southwest. They are year-round residents in central Mexico. They winter in the southeastern U.S., eastern Mexico, and Central America.

Habitat for this species includes forest and open woodland. They nest on the ground, usually under a tree or shrub, on a bed of dead leaves.

Diet

DIET

Whip-poor-wills feed on insects which they catch while flying at twilight or during bright moonlight. Their prey consists of flying insects such as moths, mosquitoes, flies, and beetles.

Life Cycle

LIFE CYCLE

The breeding season in New Jersey is between early April and late August. Two eggs are typically laid and are incubated by the female with some help from the male. The eggs hatch after about 17-20 days. Their nestlings are semi-precocial and are tended to by both parents which feed them regurgitated insects. The young are ready to fly at 14-20 days after hatching. This species has one or two broods each breeding season.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves
  • Order: Caprimulgiformes
  • Family: Caprimulgidae
  • Genus: Caprimulgus
  • Species: C. vociferus