Eastern Whip-poor-will - Ecology

Ecology

Their habitat is deciduous or mixed woods across western, central and southeastern Canada, eastern United States, and Central America. Northern birds migrate to the southeastern United States and south to Central America. Central American races are largely resident. These birds forage at night, catching insects in flight, and normally sleep during the day. Whip-poor-wills nest on the ground, in shaded locations among dead leaves, and usually lay two eggs at a time. The bird will commonly remain on the nest unless almost stepped upon.

The Eastern Whip-poor-will is becoming locally rare. Several reasons for the decline are proposed, such as habitat destruction, predation by feral cats and dogs, and poisoning by insecticides, but the actual causes remain elusive. Still, the species as a whole is not considered globally threatened due to its large range.

The Whip-poor-will has been split into two species. Eastern populations are now referred to as the Eastern Whip-poor-will. The disjunct population in southwestern United States and Mexico is now referred to as the Mexican Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus arizonae. The two species having different ranges and vocalizations, the eggs having different coloration, and DNA sequencing showing enough differentiation, it was determined enough evidence was available to separate the two types into different species.