The eastern whip-poor-will is a medium-sized 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.
Region
Eastern North America
Typical Environment
Breeds from the Great Lakes and southern Canada through the eastern United States, especially in mixed and deciduous forests with open understory, edges, and clearings. Favors pine barrens, young second-growth, burned areas, and rocky ridges where ground cover is patchy. Winters mainly in Mexico and northern Central America, using dry forests, scrub, and semi-open woodlands. Roosts on the ground or low branches by day, often in deep shade. Avoids dense, closed-canopy interiors lacking open foraging space.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The eastern whip-poor-will is a nocturnal nightjar that relies on superb leaf-litter camouflage, making it far more often heard than seen. Its name mimics the repetitive, carrying call males deliver on spring and summer nights. Pairs nest directly on the forest floor without building a nest, and breeding often coincides with brighter moon phases to improve nighttime foraging. Populations are declining in many areas due to habitat change, light pollution, and widespread insect declines.
Magee Marsh - Ohio (flash photo)
A rarely seen eastern whip-poor-will by day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
buoyant, moth-like flight with short rapid wingbeats and glides
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside the breeding pair. Nests directly on the forest floor, typically laying two eggs on leaf litter. Adults perform distraction displays to draw predators away, and the male sings persistently at dusk and night near the territory. Both parents tend young, which are semi-precocial.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A loud, rhythmic ‘whip-poor-WILL’ repeated in long sequences, often accelerating and rising slightly at the end. Males call most at dusk and on moonlit nights; soft clucks and low growls occur at close range.
