The Chuck-will's-widow is a large nocturnal nightjar of pine forests, oak woodlands, forest edges, and brushy habitats in the southeastern United States. It feeds on moths, beetles, and other flying insects, capturing them in flight with its wide mouth during dusk and nighttime hours. The species is best known for its repetitive, far-carrying “chuck-will’s-widow” song, often heard on warm spring and summer nights. In South Dakota, it is a very rare visitor, with only occasional records well outside its normal range. Because of its rarity in the state, any Chuck-will's-widow observed in South Dakota is considered a notable birding find. Extremely shy, Chuck-Will's-Widows will generally flush upon approach, moving away on silent wings.
Habitat
The Chuck-will's-widow inhabits open pine forests, mixed pine-hardwood woodlands, oak forests, forest edges, clearings, brushy fields, and sandy scrub habitats. It favors areas with a relatively open understory where it can forage for flying insects at night while remaining concealed on the ground during the day.
Diet
The Chuck-will's-widow feeds primarily on large flying insects, especially moths, beetles, flying ants, and other nocturnal insects captured in flight. Because it is larger than many other nightjars, it can also take relatively large prey and has occasionally been documented eating small birds and bats.
Behavior
Nocturnal, foraging at night. Captures insects in mid-air in its extremely large gaping mouth, either by flying out from a perch or the ground to snag passing insects, or by foraging while in constant flight.
Breeding
The Chuck-will's-widow does not build a traditional nest. Instead, the female lays 1–2 eggs directly on leaf litter, pine needles, or bare ground in a shaded woodland setting, often relying on camouflage for protection. Both adults participate in incubation and care of the young, and the chicks remain well concealed among forest floor vegetation and debris.
Song
The Chuck-will's-widow is famous for its loud, repetitive song that sounds like its name: “chuck-will's-widow, chuck-will's-widow, chuck-will's-widow.” Males may repeat this phrase dozens or even hundreds of times on warm spring and summer nights, often from a concealed perch in the forest. Calls also include softer clucks, growls, and hissing sounds used during territorial interactions and courtship.
Migration
The Chuck-will's-widow breeds across the southeastern United States, particularly in pine forests, oak woodlands, and other open forest habitats. After breeding, it migrates south to winter primarily in Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. Migration occurs mostly at night, and birds are seldom detected except by their calls or occasional observations during stopovers.
Similar Species
In South Dakota Whip-poor-will, Common Poorwill. The Chuck-will's-widow is noticeably larger and bulkier than both the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Poorwill. It has a broader head, longer wings, and a larger bill, giving it a heavier overall appearance.
Vocalizations are often the easiest way to identify these species. Chuck-will's-widow repeatedly sings its name—“chuck-will's-widow”—while the Eastern Whip-poor-will gives the familiar “whip-poor-will” song. The Common Poorwill produces softer, shorter “poor-will” calls and a variety of mellow whistles and chirps.
In appearance, Chuck-will's-widow tends to show warmer reddish-brown tones and less contrasting facial markings than Eastern Whip-poor-will. Common Poorwill is much smaller, more compact, and often appears shorter-tailed and rounder-headed.
Range can also help. In South Dakota, the Eastern Whip-poor-will is the more likely eastern nightjar, especially during migration, while the Common Poorwill occurs primarily in western habitats such as the Black Hills and surrounding open country. A Chuck-will's-widow in South Dakota would be a rare and noteworthy record.
Conservation Status
The Chuck-will's-widow has experienced long-term population declines across portions of its range and is considered a species of conservation concern in some areas. Suspected causes include habitat loss and fragmentation, reductions in large flying insect populations, pesticide use, and mortality from vehicle collisions on roads where birds forage at night. Although it remains locally common in parts of the southeastern United States, continued monitoring and habitat conservation are important for maintaining healthy populations. The IUCN considers the Chuck-will's-Widow to be a "near threatened" species.
Photo Information
May 3rd, 2003 -- Cottonwood Forest below Oahe Dam in Stanley County - Doug Backlund
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access the interactive eBird species sightings page for Chuck-Will's-Widow
