![]() These cryptic nocturnal birds are easier to hear than to see as they remain motionless and sleep during the day. Eastern Whip-poor-will Eastern whip-poor-will | Source: ALAN SCHMIERER from near Patagonia, AZ, USA, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsĪfter breeding in the northeastern parts of North America, eastern whip-poor-wills migrate to Florida, Mexico, and most of Central America.įound throughout Florida during winter, whip-poor-wills are common in forests with open understories. Howes, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsĬhuck-will’s-widows are migratory and resemble eastern whip-poor-wills and common nighthawks. They were named after their distinctive whistled songs that sound like “ chuck-wills-widow“. These birds hunt for insects when the sun sets and are particularly fond of moths, beetles, and winged ants. Their plumage varies from grayish to rufous with intricate patterns, camouflaging them well in the trees.Ĭhuck-will’s-widows are nocturnal, calling and hunting at dusk, predawn, and at night – you might have spotted them in your headlights while driving as they love to sit on the roads and roadsides at night. In southern parts of Florida, from Okeechobee to the Keys, they can be seen year-round in northern parts of the state, they only come to breed during summer. Scientific Name: Antrostomus carolinensisĬhuck-will’s-widows are large night birds with big heads, short bills, and long tails.Chuck-will’s-widow Chuck-will’s-widow | Source: Isaac Sanchez from Austin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons In their Florida range, they inhabit disturbed areas or wide-open “developed” land such as airports and vacant lots where they can nest on the ground and hunt insects, especially moths and beetles.Ī nocturnal species, but can be also seen hunting around dusk and dawn, grabbing their prey as they fly. ![]() ![]() They look very similar to common nighthawks but can be distinguished by their calls – Antillean nighthawks will make a series of hard buzzy “ drik-rik-rik” sounds. Notice the white patch across their wings. These long-winged night birds come in two morphs, grayish and tawny. Part of their scientific name “ gundlachii” is after the Cuban naturalist Juan Gundlach. Antillean Nighthawk Antillean Nighthawk | Source: Richard Crossley, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsĪntillean nighthawks are nightjars native to the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. Their wingtips will make deep booms, similar to racing cars passing by. They are common around prairies, forests, savannahs, and urban areas, where they feed on large insects during the night.ĭuring summer evenings, watch and listen for their “booming” flight displays where they fly slightly above trees before diving down for the ground. There are 9 recognized subspecies of common nighthawks. Source: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Their plumage is usually gray, black, and brown with white wing patches close to the base of primary feathers. In case you decide to go looking for them, keep in mind that they are well-camouflaged and blend excellently with the environment during the day. These medium-sized birds with split tails and long, pointed wings are crepuscular and nocturnal raptors found throughout Florida during summer.Īfter breeding in the state, common nighthawks will begin their 1,600-4,200 mile-long journey to South America. Nocturnal Birds In Florida Common Nighthawk Common Nighthawk | Source: Ammodramus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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