Adult gray morph © Luke Seitz eBird S83912741 Macaulay Library ML 319002911
Adult rufous morph © Johan Bergkvist
Adult gray morph © Greg Homel
Adult rufous morph © Antonio Robles

Eared Poorwill Nyctiphrynus mcleodii

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Small nightjar of brushy oak woodland in foothills and highlands; endemic to west Mexico. Heard far more often than seen. Feeds from perches on the ground (including quiet roads) and in trees. Usually sings from a concealed perch. Sexes look similar: cryptic gray-brown to rusty overall with a rather plain face and throat, white "vicar’s collar," white spots on the wings, and narrow white tail tip. Its "ears" are erectile head feathers rarely visible in the field. Loud, resonant whistled "preeOO" song is repeated steadily.

POWERED BY MERLIN