Chuck-will's-widow

Overview

The chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis) is a nocturnal bird belonging to the nightjar family, Caprimulgidae. It is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Mottled brownish underparts with a buff throat, reddish-brown feathers lined with black, and brown-and-white patterning on the head and chest.
• Males possess distinct patches of white on their outer tail feathers.
• The largest nightjar in North America, ranging from 28 to 33 cm in length with a wingspan of 58 to 66 cm.
• Produces a slow, low-pitched, and less piercing song at night, consisting of a vibrating middle note between two shorter notes.

Habitat

Primarily found in the southeastern United States, with disjunct populations in Long Island, New York, Ontario, Canada, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The species inhabits areas near swamps, rocky uplands, and pine woods, and migrates to the West Indies, Central America, and northwestern South America.

Diet

Eats primarily insects active at night, such as moths, beetles, and winged ants, but will also consume small birds and bats. Prey is swallowed whole.

Did you know?

The common name 'chuck-will's-widow' is an onomatopoeia derived directly from the sound of the bird's repetitive call.