Chuck-will's-widow

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iChuck-will's-widow

Scientific classification

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

Binomial name

Caprimulgus carolinensis
Gmelin, 1789

Chuck-will's-widow, Caprimulgus carolinensis (also known as "chuckwuts-widow") is a nocturnal bird of the family Caprimulgidae, more often known as nightjars. It is found in the southeastern United States near swamps, rocky uplands, and pine woods. It migrates to the West Indies, Central America, and northwestern South America.

Its common name derives from its continuous, repetitive song that is often heard at night. Generally resembling a Whip-poor-will, it has mottled brownish underparts and a buff throat with brown and white patterning on head and chest, differing from the gray and black of its more common cousin. It is about 28 cm (11 inches) long with a 62 cm (25 inch) wingspan, large for a nightjar but sharing the short bill and long tail. It eats primarily insects, particular those active at night such as moths.

[edit] References

BirdLife International (2004). Caprimulgus carolinensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern.