Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

Chuck-will's-widow breeds in the southea… Look for it in open pine woods, oak scru… Uncommon Territorial song

Learn to identify the Chuck-will's-widow by ear. Master the "chuck-will's-WIDOW" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“chuck-will's-WIDOW”

What the Chuck-will's-widow sounds like

This big, ghosty nightjar melts into leaf litter by day and comes alive at dusk. On warm spring nights, its rolling chuck-will's-widow song can pour from pine woods for minutes at a time.

“chuck-will's-WIDOW”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A rich, rolling phrase repeated again and again, often from a hidden perch at dusk or in full darkness. It starts measured, then can tumble out for long stretches without a break. Often written as “chuck-will's-WIDOW”.

Don't confuse with:The Eastern Whip-poor-will — smaller and slimmer overall.

Lessons featuring the Chuck-will's-widow

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Chuck-will's-widow's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Nightjars After Dark

Tier 11 · The Mixers

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Where you'll hear it

Look for it in open pine woods, oak scrub, sandy flatwoods, and brushy forest edges across the Southeast. It likes warm, dry places with patches of bare ground and a little space to hawk insects at night.

Spring and early summer are peak times to hear it, especially at dusk, dawn, and on moonlit nights. By day it stays nearly invisible, crouched motionless on the ground or along a low branch.

Similar species

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Smaller and slimmer overall.

Common Nighthawk

Long, pointed wings and a very different, angular flight style.

Mexican Whip-poor-will

Mostly a bird of the Southwest, so range helps a lot.

Chuck-will's-widow song FAQ

What does a Chuck-will's-widow sound like?

A rich, rolling phrase repeated again and again, often from a hidden perch at dusk or in full darkness. It starts measured, then can tumble out for long stretches without a break. Listen for the "chuck-will's-WIDOW" phrase.

How do I tell a Chuck-will's-widow from a Eastern Whip-poor-will by sound?

Eastern Whip-poor-will: Smaller and slimmer overall.; Song is a quicker whip-poor-will, not the slower, rolling chuck-will's-widow.; Usually shows a shorter tail and less hefty, big-headed look..

When is the best time to hear a Chuck-will's-widow?

Spring and early summer are peak times to hear it, especially at dusk, dawn, and on moonlit nights. By day it stays nearly invisible, crouched motionless on the ground or along a low branch.