Whip-poor-will
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| Caprimulgus vociferus Wilson, 1812 |
The Whip-poor-will or whippoorwill, Caprimulgus vociferus, is a medium-sized (22-27 cm) nightjar, a type of nocturnal bird. The Whip-poor-will is commonly heard within its range, but less often seen. It is named onomatopoetically after its call.
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[edit] Appearance
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. Males have a white patch below the throat and white tips on the outer tail feathers; in the female, these parts are light brown.
[edit] Behavior
The Whip-poor-will's breeding habitat is deciduous or mixed woods across southeastern Canada, eastern and southwestern United States, and Central America. They nest on the ground, in shaded locations, among dead leaves, and usually lay two creamy eggs. This bird does not normally flush from the nest unless it is underfoot.
Northern birds migrate to the southeastern United States and south to Central America. Central American races are largely resident. These birds forage at night, catching insects in flight. They normally sleep during the day.
[edit] Superstition
In New England, legend says the Whip-poor-will can sense a soul departing, and can capture it as it flees. This is used as a plot device in H.P. Lovecraft's story The Dunwich Horror
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Caprimulgus vociferus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 06 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- Whippoorwill
- sound
[edit] External links
- Whip-poor-will Species Account - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Whip-poor-will - Caprimulgus vociferus - USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter
- Whip-poor-will Information - South Dakota Birds and Birding
