General

Chuck-will's-widow: Large nightjar with entire body complexly mottled with brown, gray, and black. Collar is white, throat is brown, and breast patch is dark brown. Tail is white-edged. Female has buff collar.

Range and Habitat

Chuck-will's-widow: Breeds from Kansas, Indiana, and Long Island south to Gulf coast states. Spends winters chiefly in the tropics, but a few winter in Florida and along the Gulf coast. Open woodlands and clearings near agricultural country are preferred habitats.

Breeding and Nesting

Chuck-will's-widow: Two pink or buff eggs with purple, gray or brown markings are laid on the bare ground or dead leaves. Incubation ranges from 20 to 24 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Chuck-will's-widow: Feeds on flying insects and reportedly takes small birds and bats, usually during migration; forages in flight except during summer molt, when it feeds on the ground for insects and amphibians.

Vocalization

Chuck-will's-widow: Makes a deep, whistling "chuck-will's-widow", repeated over and over.

Similar Species

Chuck-will's-widow: Nighthawks have pale patches on wings. Common Poorwill is smaller and its wings extend to tail at rest. Whip-poor-will is smaller, shorter-tailed, browner, and has buff throat.