About the Eastern Whip-poor-will
The eastern whip-poor-will is a medium-sized bird within the nightjar family, Caprimulgidae, from North America. The whip-poor-will is commonly heard within its range, but less often seen because of its camouflage. It is named onomatopoeically after its song.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This medium-sized nightjar measures 22–27 cm (8+1⁄2–10+1⁄2 in) in length, spans 45–50 cm (17+1⁄2–19+1⁄2 in) across the wings and weighs 42–69 g (1+1⁄2–2+7⁄16 oz). Further standard measurements are a wing chord of 14.7 to 16.9 cm (5+13⁄16 to 6+5⁄8 in), a tail of 10.5 to 12.8 cm (4+1⁄8 to 5+1⁄16 in), a bill of 1 to 1.4 cm (3⁄8 to 9⁄16 in) and a tarsus of 1.5 to 1.8 cm (9⁄16 to 11⁄16 in). Adults have mottled plumage: the upperparts are grey, black and brown; the lower parts are grey and black. They have a very short bill and a black throat.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Eastern Whip-poor-will sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mexico, Costa Rica, St. Pierre & Miquelon.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Chuck-will's-widowAntrostomus carolinensisThe chuck-will's-widow has a short bill and a long tail typical of the nightjars.
Mexican Whip-poor-willAntrostomus arizonaeThe Mexican whip-poor-will is 23 to 24 cm (9.1 to 9.4 in) long and weighs 45 to 50 g (1.6 to 1.8 oz).
Rufous NightjarAntrostomus rufusThe rufous nightjar is 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 12 in) long.
Side by side: Chuck-will's-widow vs Eastern Whip-poor-will
Learn the Eastern Whip-poor-will for real
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