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Whip-poor-will - Sandy Selesky

The best time to look (and listen) for Whip-poor-wills is from May 5th through July 15th. Since they are difficult to see, the best way to identify these night birds is by listening for their distinctive call on calm nights with a bright moon.

They can usually be found in undisturbed pine-oak barrens on the South Shore, Cape Cod, and the Islands, but are few and far between elsewhere. Whip-poor-wills prefer to nest in dry, well-shaded woodlands with little or no underbrush near extensive open areas for feeding. They will even tolerate moderately developed suburbs.

Report a sighting
Our online mapping tool allows you to enter as many whip-poor-will sightings as you want and you only have to sign in once. The tool allows you to pinpoint the exact locality of your whip-poor-will for us without having to give an address or written description.