Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

Breeds across southeastern Canada and th… Open understory portions of deciduous an… Uncommon Territorial Song

Learn to identify the Eastern Whip-poor-will by ear. Master the "WHIP-poor-WILL, WHIP-poor-WILL…" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“WHIP-poor-WILL, WHIP-poor-WILL…”

What the Eastern Whip-poor-will sounds like

A secretive, nocturnal nightjar famed for its endlessly repeated "whip-poor-WILL" song echoing through summer nights. Its intricately mottled gray, brown, and black plumage camouflages it perfectly against leaf litter, allowing the bird to roost motionless on the forest floor or a horizontal branch by day.

“WHIP-poor-WILL, WHIP-poor-WILL…”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A clear, rhythmic three-syllable phrase repeated tirelessly, often hundreds of times in succession on warm, moonlit nights. Often written as “WHIP-poor-WILL, WHIP-poor-WILL…”.

Don't confuse with:The Chuck-will's-widow — larger overall and heavier-bodied.

Lessons featuring the Eastern Whip-poor-will

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Eastern Whip-poor-will's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Night Shift: Who's Out There?

Tier 1 · Right Out the Door

Nightjars After Dark

Tier 11 · The Mixers

Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Open understory portions of deciduous and mixed forests, especially near woodland edges, clearings, and pine barrens that provide unobstructed aerial foraging lanes at dusk and dawn.

Arrives on breeding territories from late April to May; peak singing May–July. South-bound migration begins in August, with most gone by early October. Winters quietly in tropical forests.

Similar species

Chuck-will's-widow

Larger overall and heavier-bodied.

Common Nighthawk

Flycatcher-like erratic flight high overhead at dusk, often gives "peent" call.

Eastern Whip-poor-will song FAQ

What does an Eastern Whip-poor-will sound like?

A clear, rhythmic three-syllable phrase repeated tirelessly, often hundreds of times in succession on warm, moonlit nights. Listen for the "WHIP-poor-WILL, WHIP-poor-WILL…" phrase.

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

Chuck-will's-widow: Larger overall and heavier-bodied.; Song is slower and lower-pitched: "chuck-WILL's-widow".; Rustier plumage with less contrast and broader buff throat patch..

When is the best time to hear an Eastern Whip-poor-will?

Arrives on breeding territories from late April to May; peak singing May–July. South-bound migration begins in August, with most gone by early October. Winters quietly in tropical forests.