Bird Guide

Common Poorwill vs Fiery-necked Nightjar

Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii)

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

Small48 gShrubland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Common Poorwill
Recorded by Jonathon Jongsma · Song · Blue Bell Campground, Custer State Park, South Dakota, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Louis Agassiz Fuertes (artist, 1874-1927) · Public domain
Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)

Fiery-necked Nightjar

Caprimulgus pectoralis

Small51 gWoodland

An adult fiery-necked nightjar is relatively small measuring between 23 and 25 centimeters. Their plumage is mostly a variegated grayish-brown and brownish-white colour. The fiery-necked nightjar has a distinct rufous collar, which are tawny coloured feathers located at the back of the neck, giving the species its common name. They have a large white throat patch. The feathers around their eyes and at their shoulders are chestnut brown. They have a light colored crown at the top of their head with a darker spot at the center. Black spots run down on either side the scapulas. Voice: The fiery-necked nightjar is best known for its very distinctive song. It consists of a series of mellow notes that many say sounds like "Good Lord, deliver us deliver us deliver us". This song is often preceded by a wind-up call. However, they can sometimes sing this wind-up call for a very long period and never switch to the full song.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Fiery-necked Nightjar
Recorded by Stephen Lowe · Dawn song · Udekwa Ranger post, Udzungwa mts, Tanzania · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dave Brown · CC0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Common Poorwill and Fiery-necked Nightjar.