Watercolor portrait of Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii)

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Common Resident 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

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.

“poor-will-ip”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A clear, whistled 'poor-will' or 'poor-will-ip' repeated monotonously throughout the night, especially on moonlit nights. Often written as “poor-will-ip”.
Don't confuse with:The Common Nighthawk — larger size with longer, more pointed wings

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 lesson habitat
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.

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 a Common Nighthawk by sound?
Common Nighthawk: Larger size with longer, more pointed wings; White wing bars visible in flight; More aerial, with erratic bat-like flight pattern.
When is the best time to hear a Common Poorwill?
Nocturnal, most active at dusk and dawn when calling and feeding.