The Eastern Whip-poor-will's persistent nocturnal calling — it can repeat 'whip-poor-will' hundreds of times in a row without pause — has made it a fixture in folklore and rural poetry. It lays its eggs directly on leaf litter, and timing is synchronized with the lunar cycle so parents can hunt by moonlight during the chick-rearing period. Its rufous and gray camouflage makes it nearly invisible against fallen leaves.
Best time to see a Eastern Whip-poor-will
The best time to see a Eastern Whip-poor-will is March–May, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,215 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Eastern Whip-poor-will sightings near you
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