Difference between revisions of "Field Guide/Birds/Caprimulgus vociferus"

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== Appearance ==
 
== Appearance ==
Adults have mottled plumage: the upperparts are grey, black and brown; the lower parts are grey and black. They have a very short bill and a black throat. Males have a white patch below the throat and white tips on the outer tail feathers; in the female, these parts are light brown.
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Adults have mottled plumage: the upperparts are grey, black and brown; the lower parts are grey and black. They have a very short bill and a black throat. Males have a white patch below the throat and white tips on the outer tail feathers; in the female, these parts are light brown. Males have a larger, wider bill while the females and a smaller, slimer bill.
  
 
== Behavior ==
 
== Behavior ==
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[[Category:Caprimulgus]]
 
[[Category:Caprimulgus]]
 
[[Category:Birds of North America]]
 
[[Category:Birds of North America]]
[[Category:Avifauna of Eastern United States]]
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[[Category:Endemic birds of the Eastern United States]]
 
[[Category:Avifauna of Eastern Canada]]
 
[[Category:Avifauna of Eastern Canada]]
[[Category:Avifauna of Eastern Mexico]]
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[[Category:Endemic birds of Eastern Mexico]]
[[Category:Avifauna of Central Mexico]]
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[[Category:Endemic birds of Central Mexico]]

Revision as of 00:13, 6 March 2007

Template:Taxobox The Whip-poor-will or whippoorwill, Caprimulgus vociferus, is a medium-sized (22-27 cm) nightjar, a type of nocturnal bird. The Whip-poor-will is commonly heard within its range, but less often seen. It is named onomatopoetically after its call.

Appearance

Adults have mottled plumage: the upperparts are grey, black and brown; the lower parts are grey and black. They have a very short bill and a black throat. Males have a white patch below the throat and white tips on the outer tail feathers; in the female, these parts are light brown. Males have a larger, wider bill while the females and a smaller, slimer bill.

Behavior

The Whip-poor-will's breeding habitat is deciduous or mixed woods across southeastern Canada, eastern and southwestern United States, and Central America. They nest on the ground, in shaded locations, among dead leaves, and usually lay two creamy eggs. This bird does not normally flush from the nest unless it is underfoot.

Northern birds migrate to the southeastern United States and south to Central America. Central American races are largely resident. These birds forage at night, catching insects in flight. They normally sleep during the day.

Superstition

In New England, legend says the Whip-poor-will can sense a soul departing, and can capture it as it flees. This is used as a plot device in H.P. Lovecraft's story The Dunwich Horror

References

External Links

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