Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 11–12.6 in
28–32 cm - Wingspan
- 22.8–24 in
58–61 cm - Weight
- 2.3–6.6 oz
66–188 g
Other Names
- Engoulevent de Caroline (French)
- Guabairo mayor, Tapacaminos carolinense, Tapacamino de paso, Guabairo Americano (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Chuck-will 's-widow hunts actively by flying low over the ground in search of insects. Occasionally, small birds and bats are included in its diet.
Habitat
Open Woodland
Food
Insects
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Egg Description
- White to gray, with variable dark markings.
- Condition at Hatching
- Downy, can move around.
Nest Description
No nest structure; eggs laid on ground or fallen leaves.Evening-flying insects, especially moths and beetles.
Nest Placement
Ground
Behavior
Aerial Forager
Conservation
Least Concern
Eastern populations may be declining slightly.
Credits
- Straight, C. A., and R. J. Cooper. 2000. Chuck-will's-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis). In The Birds of North America, No. 499 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.