What does the Chuck-will's-widow song sound like?

Antrostomus carolinensis

Song Uncommon

Play the real Chuck-will's-widow song, the "chuck-will's-WIDOW", and learn what to listen for.

“chuck-will's-WIDOW”

What the Chuck-will's-widow song sounds 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.

“chuck-will's-WIDOW”

Birders often file this one under Territorial song.

How to find the bird singing 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.

Big-headed night bird: Notice the chunky head, tiny bill, and huge mouth. In the beam of a flashlight or car headlights, it can look all face and eyes.
Leaf-litter camouflage: The plumage is warm brown, gray, black, and buff, all marbled together like dead leaves and pine straw. When it freezes on the ground, it almost disappears.
Long tail, broad wings: In flight it looks heavier and broader-winged than a nighthawk. The wings are rounded, and the tail looks long and full rather than sharply pointed.

When you'll hear it

Spring

Best season to find one by ear. Males sing over and over from dusk into the night as territories form.

Summer

Still vocal, especially on warm evenings. Adults often sit quietly on roads or sandy tracks after dark.

Fall

Numbers thin out as birds migrate south at night. You may hear a few late singers, but activity drops fast.

Winter

Mostly gone from the United States, spending the season farther south. In wintering areas, it is usually much quieter and harder to notice.

Don’t confuse it with

Birds whose song gets mistaken for this one. Play them back to back.

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Smaller and slimmer overall.

Chuck-will's-widow song FAQ

What does a Chuck-will's-widow song 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. Birders write it as "chuck-will's-WIDOW".

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

Eastern Whip-poor-will: Smaller and slimmer overall.; Song is a quicker whip-poor-will, not the slower, rolling chuck-will's-widow..

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

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.

More Chuck-will's-widow sounds

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