Common poorwill
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
The common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) is a nocturnal bird of the family Caprimulgidae, the nightjars.
About the Common poorwill
The common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) is a nocturnal bird of the family Caprimulgidae, the nightjars. It is found from British Columbia and southeastern Alberta, through the western United States to northern Mexico. The bird's habitat is dry, open areas with grasses or shrubs, and even stony desert slopes with very little vegetation. Many northern birds migrate to winter within the breeding range in central and western Mexico, though some remain further north. The common poorwill is the only bird known to go into torpor for extended periods (weeks to months). This happens on the southern edge of its range in the United States, where it spends much of the winter inactive, concealed in piles of rocks. Such an extended period of torpor is close to a state of hibernation and is not kn
Fun Facts About Common poorwill
- The common poorwill is the only bird known to go into torpor for extended periods (weeks to months).
- The bird's habitat is dry, open areas with grasses or shrubs, and even stony desert slopes with very little vegetation.
- Many northern birds migrate to winter within the breeding range in central and western Mexico, though some remain further north.
Conservation Status
The Common poorwill is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Phalaenoptilus |
| Species | Phalaenoptilus nuttallii |
Range & Habitat
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Other species in the Caprimulgidae family: