One of the nocturnal Nightjars, the Chuck-Will's-Widow is named after its continuous, repetitive song that is often heard at night. Primarily a bird of the southeastern United States, they are rare visitors to the state. Extremely shy, Chuck-Will's-Widows will generally flush upon approach, moving away on silent wings.
Habitat
Wooded habitats, including conifer, deciduous, and mixed forests.
Diet
Primarily insects, especially large flying insects that are active at night. Also will eat small birds, up to any size they can swallow whole.
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
Rare breeder in South Dakota (Breeding Bird Survey map unavailable).
Song
Chuck-Will's-Widow Song
Migration
Summers in the southeastern quarter of the United States. Winters in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, with some over-wintering in Florida.
Similar Species
Whip-poor-will
Conservation Status
Possibly declining in parts of its range, due to habitat loss.
Photo Information
May 3rd, 2003 -- Cottonwood Forest below Oahe Dam in Stanley County - Doug Backlund
Interactive eBird Map
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