Mexican Whip-poor-will
Encyclopedia
The Mexican Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus arizonae, is a medium-sized (22–27 cm) nightjar
from the southwestern United States
and Mexico
. The Whip-poor-will is more often heard within its range, but less often seen. It is named onomatopoeically after its song.
This bird previously was lumped with the Eastern Whip-poor-will
, however with both types having different ranges and vocalizatons, the eggs having different coloration, and DNA sequencing showing enough differentation, it was determined enough evidence was available to separate the 2 types into different species.
Adults have mottled plumage: the upperparts are grey, black and brown; the lower parts are grey and black. They have a very short bill and a black throat. Males have a white patch below the throat and white tips on the outer tail feathers; in the female, these parts are light brown.
, and Mexico
. These birds forage at night, catching insects in flight, and normally sleep during the day. Whip-poor-wills nest on the ground, in shaded locations among dead leaves, and usually lay two eggs at a time. The bird will commonly remain on the nest unless almost stepped upon.
Nightjar
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal or crepuscular birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills. They are sometimes referred to as goatsuckers from the mistaken belief that they suck milk from goats . Some New World species are named as nighthawks...
from the southwestern United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. The Whip-poor-will is more often heard within its range, but less often seen. It is named onomatopoeically after its song.
This bird previously was lumped with the Eastern Whip-poor-will
Whip-poor-will
The Eastern Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferus, is a medium-sized nightjar from North and Central America. The whip-poor-will is commonly heard within its range, but less often seen because of its superior camouflage...
, however with both types having different ranges and vocalizatons, the eggs having different coloration, and DNA sequencing showing enough differentation, it was determined enough evidence was available to separate the 2 types into different species.
Adults have mottled plumage: the upperparts are grey, black and brown; the lower parts are grey and black. They have a very short bill and a black throat. Males have a white patch below the throat and white tips on the outer tail feathers; in the female, these parts are light brown.
Ecology
Their habitat is woodlands of southwestern United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. These birds forage at night, catching insects in flight, and normally sleep during the day. Whip-poor-wills nest on the ground, in shaded locations among dead leaves, and usually lay two eggs at a time. The bird will commonly remain on the nest unless almost stepped upon.