Species BirdsChuck-will's-widow

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

CommonBird
Illustration of Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis)

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.

Habitat
Dry pine and mixed forests of the southeastern US
Diet
Large moths, beetles, and occasionally small birds
How common
Common

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