chuck-will’s widow
1. Bird Name
English Name: Chuck-will’s widow
Scientific Name: Antrostomus carolinensis
2. Appearance
The Chuck-will’s widow exhibits a fascinating range of shades akin to its nocturnal lifestyle. Possessing a mix of mottled grey, brown, and black, it expertly camouflages itself against the bark of trees or leaf litter during the day. Noteworthy are the hefty, scoop-like beak, contrasting with the bird’s rather small eyes – both adaptations for its insect-eating habits. There are no stark differences in appearance between males and females, but one might note slight size differences.
3. Size
This bird has an impressive size for a nightjar. Adults average at 28-33 cm (11-13 inches) in length. Their wingspan ranges from 58 to 63 cm (about 23-25 inches), and they typically weigh between 83 and 143 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Chuck-will’s widow is primarily found in the Southeastern United States, extending through Florida and Texas into Mexico. These birds migrate seasonally, wintering in the West Indies and Central America. Their preferred habitats are mixed woodlands, plantations, and forest edges with ample ground cover.
5. Interesting Facts
A fascinating fact about this bird is its capability to catch flying insects with its wide gape while in flight, often compared to that of a small hawk. Its common name comes from the distinctive song, which is often interpreted as “Chuck-will’s-widow”. It is also the largest of the nightjars found in North America.
6. Diet
In alignment with its specific mouth and beak design, the Chuck-will’s widow’s diet consists largely of insects, particularly moths and beetles. On occasion, it will also consume small birds and bats.
7. Behavior & Sounds
The Chuck-will’s widow is a crepuscular species, most active during dusk and dawn. Its song, a repetitious and rhythmic ‘chuck-wills-widow’, often rings through southern woods and is a signature sound of summer evenings. During courtship, males perform a remarkable display flight to attract females.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Chuck-will’s widow is classified as Least Concern. However, there has been a slow decline due to deforestation and habitat disruption in some regions.
9. Lifespan
On average, Chuck-will’s widows live for about 4-5 years in the wild, but some have been known to live up to 11 years. Their lifespan in captivity is not well-documented.
10. Additional Notes
This bird’s haunting song features in many Native American legends and folklore. They interact well with humans, often living near human dwellings. Their role in the ecosystem is significant as they control insect populations and act as food for larger predators.
