Common Poorwill Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesCommon Poorwill
Adult
A small, flat-headed nightjar with a short tail. White band marks the throat, but it is often difficult to see on roosting birds.
© Jacob Drucker / Macaulay LibraryWashington, June 05, 2019Adult
Typically roosts on the ground, where camouflaged plumage can make it very difficult to see.
© Bruce Cyganowski / Macaulay LibraryColorado, October 05, 2015Adult
A small, densely camouflaged nightjar with a neat white band on the throat. Often roosts on the ground during the daytime.
© Russell Campbell / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, October 27, 2023Adult male
In flight, male's white tail tips are visible. Tail tips on females are buffy and not as obvious. Note short tail.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryColorado, October 03, 2015Adult
Typically roosts on the ground or among rocks. Note thin white neck band.
© David M. Bell / Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, June 30, 2020Adult male
During the breeding season, the male sings a repeated, whistled poorwillip at night.
© Steven Mlodinow / Macaulay LibraryColorado, May 18, 2014Habitat
Inhabits mostly shrubby, open areas in dry environments.
© Heather Campbell / Macaulay LibraryUtah, October 04, 2020Similar SpeciesCommon Nighthawk
Adult
Common Nighthawks have a white bar on the wings that is visible in flight, which Common Poorwills lack.
© Daniel Irons / Macaulay LibraryMaryland, August 23, 2016Similar SpeciesCommon Pauraque
Adult male
Common Pauraques are larger than Common Poorwills with a longer tail. In flight, Common Pauraques have white outer tail feathers and a white bar on the wings that Common Poorwills do not have.
© Paul Tavares / Macaulay LibraryCayo, March 05, 2015Similar SpeciesChuck-will's-widow
Adult
Chuck-will's-widows are larger with a longer tail than Common Poorwills. They are more brownish overall and do not have a white neck stripe that Common Poorwills have.
© Luke Seitz / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 23, 2012Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Nightjars and Allies(Order: Caprimulgiformes, Family: Caprimulgidae)
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