Common Poorwill

Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) is in the Nightjars and Allies family (Caprimulgidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,417 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

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

When to photograph Common Poorwill: observations by month (U.S.)

About Common Poorwill

The common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) is a nocturnal bird of the family Caprimulgidae, the nightjars. It is found from British Columbia and southeastern Alberta, through the western United States to northern Mexico. The bird's habitat is dry, open areas with grasses or shrubs, and even stony desert slopes with very little vegetation.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Common Poorwill by state

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

Related birds (Nightjars and Allies)

Common NighthawkChordeiles minor

Chuck-will's-widowAntrostomus carolinensis

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