Chuck-Will's-Widow

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.

Interactive eBird Map: Click for access to an interactive eBird map of Chuck-will's-Widow sightings

Similar Species: Whip-poor-will

Conservation Status: Possibly declining in parts of its range, due to habitat loss.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Chuck-Will's-Widow

2) WhatBird - Chuck-will's-widow

3) Audubon Guide - Chuck-will's-widow

Photo Information: May 3rd, 2003 -- Cottonwood Forest below Oahe Dam in Stanley County - Doug Backlund