Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

Variable Song

Learn to identify the Common Poorwill by ear. Master the "poor-will-ip" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“poor-will-ip”

What the Common Poorwill sounds like

A clear, whistled 'poor-will' or 'poor-will-ip' repeated monotonously throughout the night, especially on moonlit nights.

How to tell it apart

Listen for: “poor-will-ip”

Don't confuse with the Eastern Whip-poor-will. Different call ('whip-poor-will' rather than 'poor-will').

Lessons featuring the Common Poorwill

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Common Poorwill's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Nightjars After Dark

Tier 11 · The Mixers

Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Partially migratory; some populations move south for winter while others remain year-round in their breeding range.

Shrubby, open areas in arid environments including rocky habitats with scattered bushes, sagebrush flats, and pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Nocturnal, most active at dusk and dawn when calling and feeding.

How to recognize it by sight

Common Poorwills are small nightjars with cryptic gray-brown plumage that provides perfect camouflage when roosting on the ground. They have large heads, tiny bills, and large eyes adapted for nocturnal hunting.

Similar species

Common Nighthawk

Larger size with longer, more pointed wings

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Found in eastern woodlands rather than western arid habitats

Mexican Whip-poor-will

Larger size with longer tail

Common Poorwill song FAQ

What does a Common Poorwill sound like?

A clear, whistled 'poor-will' or 'poor-will-ip' repeated monotonously throughout the night, especially on moonlit nights. Listen for the "poor-will-ip" phrase.

How do I tell a Common Poorwill from an Eastern Whip-poor-will by sound?

Eastern Whip-poor-will: Different call ('whip-poor-will' rather than 'poor-will').

When is the best time to hear a Common Poorwill?

Nocturnal, most active at dusk and dawn when calling and feeding.