​Maine Nightjar

The primary focus of this project are Maine's nightjars. Nightjars are medium-sized, cryptically colored birds of the family Caprimulgidae, or “goatsuckers”. Nightjars are generally either nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (active at twilight). While most are difficult to observe directly, these birds can be readily detected and identified by sound. Maine's nightjars include the Eastern Whip-poor-will and the Common Nighthawk. Maine also occasionally sees the occasional appearance of Chuck-will's-widow, a more southerly nightjar species. Each profile includes recordings, photos, and descriptions of behaviors you may observe during the breeding season.