Chuck-will's-widow: The Night Bird That Says Its Name

A loud, repetitive call around 9 p.m. in rural Georgia is almost certainly a chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis). The bird's name mimics its song: "chuck-will's-widow."

Identification

• ~12 inches long, mottled brown, gray, black.
• White throat collar.
• Part of the nightjar family (Caprimulgidae), related to whip-poor-wills.
• John James Audubon called them "goatsuckers."

Behavior

They feed on insects at night, often seen hawking moths near lights. Their camouflage makes them nearly invisible by day.

Listen

Enjoy the nocturnal chorus—chuck-will's-widows, owls, and whip-poor-wills are signs of a healthy ecosystem.

• Listen to chuck-will's-widow call
• More bird calls at WhatBird.com

No control needed—just appreciate this iconic Southern night bird.