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.
Not certain it is a Eastern Whip-poor-will? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Eastern Whip-poor-will sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Eastern Whip-poor-will? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Eastern Whip-poor-will is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.