The Common Poorwill is unique among all birds. It actually goes into an extended form of hybernation for weeks or even months. It lives throughout most of western and central North America south to northern Mexico. The winter torpor activity has been documented in California and New Mexico.
The Common Poorwill is typical of the Nightjars in being nocturnal and feeding mainly on insects.
Classification
Order: Caprimulgiformes
Family: Caprimulgidae
Genus: Phalaenoptilus
Species: P. nuttallii
Photos:
Common Poorwill
We saw 4-6 Poorwills right on the road. We almost ran over one! This was my first time seeing them in Spokane County. They are such neat birds! Valley Rd, NW Spokane County, Washington 7/6/2006
Common Poor-will
Video:
I have not been able to find video of this species. If you have a video, please leave a comment.
Commentary:
The Common Poorwill is normally found in the Central to Western United States region and up into the Okaganan. It has only been recorded on Vancouver Island on one previous occasion in 1953. Read more…
The Common Poorwill is the smallest member of the family found in North America, and is unique in its ability to overwinter. During periods of shortage in winter looking for a warm place, such … Read more…
Neither hawk nor owl, poorwills and nighthawks are visiting now …
Callers usually identify their find as a baby hawk, baby owl or sometimes even a bat, but when it arrives, it’s almost always a common nighthawk or common poorwill. Both birds are frequentl… Read more…
There were rewards, though: a few coatis on the roads, and a Common Poorwill that froze on the road in our headlights. We arrived in Yecora fourteen hours after leaving Tucson, tired and hungry… Read more…
