Antrostomus carolinensis

Chuck-will's-widow

Family: Caprimulgidae · Class: Aves · Order: Caprimulgiformes

The Chuck-will's-widow is the largest nightjar in North America, measuring 28-33 cm (11-13 inches) in length with a wingspan of 58-66 cm (23-26 inches). Adults weigh 66-188 grams (2.3-6.6 ounces). The species exhibits cryptic plumage patterns with mottled brown, gray, and buff coloration that provides camouflage against tree bark and leaf litter. Males display white patches on the outer tail feathers and throat, while females show buff-colored markings in these areas. The bill is small and surrounded by prominent rictal bristles that aid in capturing insects during flight. Large, dark eyes are adapted for nocturnal vision. Historically, Chuck-will's-widow occurred primarily in the southeastern United States, with the core range extending from southeastern Virginia south to Florida and west to eastern Texas and southeastern Kansas. The species' range has contracted northward over recent decades, with populations declining or disappearing from northern portions of the historical range. In California, Chuck-will's-widow is considered a vagrant species, with fewer than five documented records in the state. These rare occurrences have been reported primarily in desert regions during migration periods, typically in fall. Chuck-will's-widow inhabits mature deciduous and mixed forests with relatively open understories. The species shows preference for areas near forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors. In the southeastern United States, typical habitat includes oak-hickory forests, pine-oak woodlands, and bottomland hardwood forests. Elevation preferences range from sea level to approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet). The species requires areas with adequate prey abundance and suitable nesting sites on the forest floor. This nocturnal insectivore feeds primarily on flying insects, including moths, beetles, flying ants, and mosquitoes. Chuck-will's-widow captures prey through aerial hawking, launching from perches to intercept insects in flight. The species' diet consists of larger insects compared to other nightjars, with some studies documenting consumption of small birds and bats. Breeding occurs from April through August, with peak activity in May and June. Females lay two eggs directly on leaf litter without constructing a nest. Incubation lasts 20-21 days, and young fledge after 17-20 days. Adults may produce two broods per season in southern portions of the range. The Chuck-will's-widow is not federally listed under the Endangered Species Act, though populations have experienced significant declines across much of the range. North American Breeding Bird Survey data indicate a 2.9% annual decline from 1966-2019, representing a cumulative decline of approximately 75%. Primary threats include habitat loss through forest fragmentation and conversion, pesticide use reducing insect prey availability, and light pollution disrupting nocturnal behavior patterns. Climate change may be shifting suitable habitat northward, potentially contributing to range contractions in southern regions. The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to ongoing population declines and habitat pressures.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.