Common Poorwill Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesCommon Poorwill
Adult
Flat-headed nightjar with a short tail. White band marks the throat, but it is often difficult to see on roosting birds.
© Jacob Drucker / Macaulay LibraryWashington, June 05, 2019Adult
Small and stubby nightjar with a white neck band.
© Bruce Cyganowski / Macaulay LibraryColorado, October 05, 2015Densely camouflaged nightjar with a neat white band on the throat. Large eyes reflect "eyeshine" from headlights and other light sources.
© Gregory Griffith / Macaulay LibraryColorado, July 01, 1995Not all videos have sound
Adult male
In flight, white tail tips are visible. Tail tips on females are buffy and not as obvious. Note short tail.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryColorado, October 03, 2015Similar SpeciesCommon Nighthawk
Adult
Common Nighthawks have a white bar on the wings that is visible in flight, which Common Poorwills lack.
© Daniel Irons / Macaulay LibraryMaryland, August 23, 2016Similar SpeciesCommon Pauraque
Adult male
Common Pauraques are larger than Common Poorwills with a longer tail. In flight, Common Pauraques have white outer tail feathers and a white bar on the wings that Common Poorwills do not have.
© Paul Tavares / Macaulay LibraryCayo, March 05, 2015Similar SpeciesChuck-will's-widow
Adult
Chuck-will's-widows are larger with a longer tail than Common Poorwills. They are more brownish overall and do not have a white neck stripe that Common Poorwills have.
© Luke Seitz / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 23, 2012Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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Species in This Family
Nightjars and Allies(Order: Caprimulgiformes, Family: Caprimulgidae)
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