“The nighthawk was very common in the Southeast at one point, but has declined dramatically recently,” Shedd says. “Lots of insectivoress birds are declining and it’s not quite clear why.”
Although not frequently seen, the whip-poor-will is recognizable by its distinct call that sounds just like its name “whip-poor-will.” They spend most of their time on the ground and fly only when feeding on moths and mosquitoes. Their size is comparable to the nighthawk.
The chuck-will’s-widow, a foot-long nocturnal bird is also named for call. It has cryptic coloration, like owls, and spends its time on the ground feeding on insects.
