Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 7.5–8.3 in
19–21 cm - Weight
- 1.3–1.9 oz
36–55 g
Other Names
- Poor-will
- Engoulevent de Nuttall (French)
- Pachacue común (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Common Poorwill can slow its metabolic rate and drop its body temperature, going into a hibernation-like state known as "torpor." In periods of cold weather, a poorwill may stay in torpor for several weeks. Although probably not true hibernation, topor allows the bird to go long periods of time without food and can help it survive cold spells when its insect prey would not be active.
- Common Poorwills in the laboratory readily enter torpor when deprived of food.
Habitat
Scrub
Dry, open,grassy or shrubby areas.
Food
Insects
Night-flying insects.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Egg Description
- White or pinkish.
Nest Description
No nest structure; eggs laid on ground.
Nest Placement
Ground
Behavior
Aerial Forager
Conservation
Least Concern
May be increasing.
Credits
- Csada, R. D. and R. M. Brigham. 1992. Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii). In The Birds of North America, No. 32 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, DC: The American Ornithologists' Union.