The chuck-will's-widow is a nocturnal bird of the nightjar family Caprimulgidae. It is mostly 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.
Region
Southeastern United States to northern South America
Typical Environment
Breeds across the southeastern United States in pine-oak woodlands, mixed forests, hammocks, and near swamps, favoring open understories and edges. In the nonbreeding season it winters in the West Indies, Central America, and into northwestern South America. It roosts on the forest floor or lengthwise along branches where its mottled plumage provides excellent concealment. It often forages along forest edges, clearings, roadsides, and over water where insects are abundant.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The chuck-will's-widow is the largest nightjar in North America, named for its distinctive, rolling call that sounds like 'chuck-will's-widow.' It is superbly camouflaged, roosting motionless on leaf litter or along a branch to blend with bark. Its tiny bill opens to an exceptionally wide gape fringed with bristles, ideal for catching flying insects in the dark. During breeding, it nests directly on the ground without building a nest.
Temperament
solitary and cryptic
Flight Pattern
buoyant with soft, silent wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside the breeding pair; roosts quietly during the day. Nests directly on leaf litter with a clutch usually of two eggs; the female incubates while the male often guards nearby. Adults may perform distraction displays to lead intruders away from the nesting site.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A loud, rhythmic, three-part phrase repeated for long periods at dusk and night, transcribed as 'chuck-will's-widow.' Also gives low clucks and soft calls while foraging in the dark.
