Common Poorwill

The Common Poorwill, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii, is the smallest North American nightjar, a nocturnal bird of the family Caprimulgidae. It measures approximately 18 centimeters in length with a wingspan of about 30 centimeters and weighs between 36 to 58 grams. Both sexes exhibit a similar coloration of gray and black patterns above, with the male having slightly more prominent white markings on the outer tail-feathers.

Identification Tips

To identify the Common Poorwill, look for its small size, short bill, and rounded wings, which at rest, extend to the end of the short tail. Its pale gray coloration sets it apart from similar species. The call is a distinctive, monotonous "poor-will" that can be heard from dusk till dawn, sometimes with a third syllable, "poor-will-low," at close range. In flight, it may also emit a "chuck" note.

Habitat

This bird favors dry, open areas with grasses or shrubs, and can also be found on stony desert slopes with sparse vegetation.

Distribution

The Common Poorwill's range extends from British Columbia and southeastern Alberta through the western United States to northern Mexico.

Behaviour

The Common Poorwill is unique among birds for its ability to enter a state of torpor for extended periods, akin to hibernation, during the winter months. This behavior is observed on the southern edge of its range in the United States, where it remains inactive and concealed in rock piles.

Song & Calls

The species is named for its call, a persistent "poor-will" that resonates throughout the night. A third syllable may be discerned at closer range, and a "chuck" note is sometimes heard during flight.

Breeding

Breeding season varies from March to August in the southern parts of its range, and from late May to September in the north. The nest is a simple scrape on the ground, often sheltered by vegetation. Clutch size is typically two eggs, which are white, creamy, or pale pink, sometimes with mottling. Both parents share incubation duties for about 20-21 days, and it takes another 20-23 days for the fledglings to leave the nest. Females may lay a second clutch while males tend to the first brood's young.

Diet and Feeding

The Common Poorwill feeds on nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, and grasshoppers. It is known to eject pellets of indigestible parts and is reported to catch prey from the ground or by leaping into the air, and even to drink while flying.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Common Poorwill as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.