About the Common Poorwill
The common poorwill is a nocturnal bird of the family Caprimulgidae, the nightjars. It is found from British Columbia and southeastern Alberta, through the western United States to northern Mexico. The bird's habitat is dry, open areas with grasses or shrubs, and even stony desert slopes with very little vegetation.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This is the smallest North American nightjar, about 18 centimetres (7.1 in) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 30 centimetres (12 in). It weighs 36–58 grams (1.3–2.0 oz). The sexes are similar, both gray and black patterned above. The outer tail-feathers are tipped with white, the markings slightly more prominent in the male. The common poorwill is told from similar nightjars by its small size, short bill, rounded wings with tips that reach the end of the short tail at rest, and pale gray coloration.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Common Poorwill sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Savanna NightjarCaprimulgus affinisThe savanna nightjar measures 20-26cm in length, has a body weight of 54-110g, and a wingspan of 64cm, with size varying by subspecies, ranging from small to medium-large.
Fiery-necked NightjarCaprimulgus pectoralisAn adult fiery-necked nightjar is relatively small measuring between 23 and 25 centimeters.
Chuck-will's-widowAntrostomus carolinensisThe chuck-will's-widow has a short bill and a long tail typical of the nightjars.
Learn the Common Poorwill for real
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