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Eastern Whip-poor-will

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

Migration Flyway

Showing primary migration corridor(s) for this species

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View on eBirdWikipedia

About the Eastern Whip-poor-will

The eastern whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus; also called "whip-o-will", "whip o' will", etc.) is a medium-sized (22–27 cm or 8.7–10.6 in) 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.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name
Antrostomus vociferus
Family
Nightjars and Allies
Order
Caprimulgiformes

Similar species

Other members of the nightjars and allies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

  • Antillean Nighthawk Chordeiles gundlachii
  • Buff-collared Nightjar Antrostomus ridgwayi
  • Chuck-will's-widow Antrostomus carolinensis
  • Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor
  • Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
  • Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
  • Eared Poorwill Nyctiphrynus mcleodii
  • Gray Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka
  • Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis
  • Mexican Whip-poor-will Antrostomus arizonae
  • Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus
  • Spot-tailed Nightjar Antiurus maculicaudus

Know when the Eastern Whip-poor-will turns up near you

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Gear for spotting Eastern Whip-poor-will

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