The Chuck-will's-widow is the largest nightjar in North America, a hefty brown bird of southeastern pine forests that occasionally swallows small birds whole — an unusual behavior among nightjars. Its repeated four-note call is a characteristic sound of warm southeastern summer nights. Like its relatives, it is virtually invisible at rest due to its bark-like plumage.
Best time to see a Chuck-will's-widow
The best time to see a Chuck-will's-widow is April–May, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,829 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Chuck-will's-widow sightings near you
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