Eastern Whip-poor-will

Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) is in the Nightjars and Allies family (Caprimulgidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,290 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

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 Eastern Whip-poor-will: observations by month (U.S.)

About Eastern Whip-poor-will

The eastern whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) is a medium-sized (22–27 cm) nightjar from North America. The whip-poor-will is commonly heard within its range, but less often seen because of its camouflage. It is named onomatopoeically after its song.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Eastern Whip-poor-will 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

Common PoorwillPhalaenoptilus nuttallii

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