Family: Caprimulgidae, Nightjars view all from this family
Description ADULT MALE Has gray-brown plumage overall, but
subtle and intricate patterns of black and buff create
impression of tree bark. Flight feathers and wing coverts are
reddish brown. Note white half collar (sometimes hidden)
separating blackish throat from dark brown chest band. Outer
tail feathers are extensively white toward tip. ADULT FEMALE
Similar, but outer tail feathers are tipped buff (not white).
JUVENILE Similar to adult. Dimensions Length: 10" (25 cm)
Habitat Common summer visitor (mainly May-Sep) to dry mixed or
deciduous forests with clearings. Winters mainly in Central
America but also Florida. Observation Tips Presence is easiest
to detect by listening for song. Range Great Lakes, Western
Canada, Southwest, New England, Eastern Canada, Southeast,
California, Florida, Mid-Atlantic, Texas, Plains Voice Song
(delivered after dark) is a liquid Whip-poo-weel, the middle
syllable slightly stuttering; call is a liquid quip. Discussion