Chuck-will's-widow Photo Gallery
Adult
Large, flat-headed nightjar. Upperparts are mottled brown, buff, and black. In flight, males flash thin stripes of white on the tail.
© Kathy Doddridge / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, April 23, 2019Adult female
Flat-headed nightjar with a long tail and long wings. Females have a buffy spot on the tips of the outer tail feathers.
© Simon d'Entremont / Macaulay LibraryNova Scotia, May 23, 2019Adult
Roosts during the day on a branch or on the ground. Tends to roost in the same location night after night.
© Brad Walker / Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, March 28, 2016Not all videos have soundAdult
Extremely well camouflaged. Lays eggs on the ground among dead leaves, pine needles, or bare dirt.
© David Hollie / Macaulay LibraryGeorgia, May 20, 2007Adult
Occurs in woodlands, hedgerows, and thickets in southern Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and northwestern South America during the nonbreeding season.
© Fernando Burgalin Sequeria / Macaulay LibraryLimón, March 12, 2020Adult
Incessantly sings its name at night.
© Gregory Griffith / Macaulay LibraryJune 01, 1992Not all videos have soundCompare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Nightjars and Allies(Order: Caprimulgiformes, Family: Caprimulgidae)