Whip-poor-will

Caprimulgus vociferus

The Whip-poor-will is rarely seen because it sleeps by day on the forest floor, its color and pattern matching the dead leaves. Whip-poor-wills, like other night-flying birds, were once suspected of being witches. They fly around farm animals at dusk to feed on insects swarming over the animals. It was believed that they sucked milk from goats' udders and caused them to dry up, and they are still often called "goatsuckers." At night, the Whip-poor-will's eyes reflect ruby red in car headlights.

Look For : A speckled-brown bird with white or yellowish-brown ring on throat. It is active at night, scratching for moths and other insects. It sleeps during the day, hidden by dead leaves.

Length : 9-10".

Habitat : Forest clearings.

Range : East, Southwest; winter: Gulf Coast.