Eastern Whip-poor-will: Voice of the Summer Night

You may never see an Eastern Whip-poor-will, but if you’ve camped in eastern woodlands, you’ve almost certainly heard one. Their hypnotic, namesake call—“whip-poor-WILL! whip-poor-WILL!”—echoes again and again, often into the hundreds of repetitions. This ghostlike bird is a master of sound, stealth, and survival.

What Does a Whip-poor-will Look Like?

Perfectly camouflaged, the Eastern Whip-poor-will looks like a pile of dead leaves or bark. Its mottled brown, black, and gray feathers help it vanish into the forest floor during daylight. About the size of a robin, it has a big head, tiny bill, and wide mouth perfect for catching insects mid-flight.

Where Do Whip-poor-wills Live?

They prefer dry, deciduous forests and pine barrens across eastern North America. During the day, they sit motionless on the ground or a low branch. At night, they emerge to hunt in open clearings, often near the edges of woodlands.

Why Are They So Hard to Spot?

Two reasons:

1. They’re nocturnal and only active at night.

2. Their camouflage is ridiculously effective. Even birders standing a foot away have trouble spotting them unless they move or call.

What Do Whip-poor-wills Eat?

They’re insectivores, feeding on moths, beetles, and other flying insects. Their huge mouths act like aerial nets as they silently swoop through the air in search of prey.

What’s With the Repetitive Call?

The male’s call is used to attract a mate and defend his territory. He can repeat the haunting “whip-poor-will” call hundreds of times in a row without stopping. It’s beautiful, eerie, and sometimes... a little unsettling at 2 AM.

Fun Facts About Eastern Whip-poor-wills

• Their name literally comes from their call—it sounds like they’re saying “whip-poor-will.”

• Unlike most birds, they lay eggs directly on the ground without building a nest.

• Their population has dropped significantly due to habitat loss and fewer insects from pesticide use.

Why Whip-poor-wills Deserve Our Attention

Eastern Whip-poor-wills are declining at an alarming rate, and many people have noticed their summer nights are a little quieter than they used to be. Protecting forest edges, reducing pesticide use, and maintaining dark skies can help preserve this haunting voice of the night.