Chuck-will's-widow

Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis) is in the Nightjars and Allies family (Caprimulgidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,911 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

Conservation status (iNaturalist): NT.

When to photograph Chuck-will's-widow: observations by month (U.S.)

About Chuck-will's-widow

The chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis) is a nocturnal bird of the nightjar family Caprimulgidae. It is found in the southeastern United States near swamps, rocky uplands, and pine woods. It migrates to the West Indies, Central America, and northwestern South America. This bird is generally confused with the better-known whippoorwill (Antrostomus vociferus), due to their similar calls and unusual names. Though rather closely related, they are two distinct species.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Chuck-will's-widow by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Nightjars and Allies)

Common NighthawkChordeiles minor

Common PoorwillPhalaenoptilus nuttallii

Eastern Whip-poor-willAntrostomus vociferus

Lesser NighthawkChordeiles acutipennis

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ