Adult © Bruce Cyganowski
Adult male © Chris Wood
Adult © David M. Bell
Adult male © Steven Mlodinow
+ 2
Habitat © Heather Campbell

Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

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Identification

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Small, compact night bird with short wings and tail. Intricately patterned with shades of gray; flight feathers are barred with rufous. Males have white corners on tail, females have browner tail corners. Named for its song: a whistled "poor-WILL," sometimes with a faint third note. Strictly nocturnal; more often heard than seen. Prefers rocky desert slopes with some dry vegetation; sometimes perches prominently when singing but also sings from the ground.

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