gray morph; gray on shoulder, crown, and breast (Texas, USA; 2006-04-04)


Whip-poor-will
Caprimulgus vociferus

Native Range: North America

Notes: a common but seldom seen caprimulgid mostly of deep deciduous forests in the eastern USA; crepuscular and nocturnal, catching insects on the wing; sleeps during the day, usually perching lengthwise on a tree branch such that it blends in with its background; highly camoflaged; gets its name from its loud and vigorous song that sounds like whip-poor-will, repeated time and again usually at dusk; no sexual dimorphism; comes in gray and rufous morphs.