Buff-collared Nightjar vs Eastern Whip-poor-will

In short

The Buff-collared Nightjar and Eastern Whip-poor-will are both nocturnal birds with cryptic plumage, but they can be distinguished by their vocalizations and habitat preferences. The Buff-collared Nightjar is often found in dry thornscrub and has a unique metallic song, while the Eastern Whip-poor-will is more commonly associated with large woodland areas and is known for its distinctive 'WHIP-poor-WILL' call.

Identification tips

• Listen for vocalizations: The Buff-collared Nightjar's metallic song vs. the Eastern Whip-poor-will's 'WHIP-poor-WILL' call.
• Check habitat: Buff-collared Nightjar in dry thornscrub vs. Eastern Whip-poor-will in woodlands.
• Look for the buffy collar: Present in Buff-collared Nightjar, absent in Eastern Whip-poor-will.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of nightjars, with no significant differences in overall dimensions.

Plumage

Both species exhibit cryptic plumage suitable for camouflage, but the Buff-collared Nightjar has a buffy collar that can be a distinguishing feature. The Eastern Whip-poor-will lacks this collar and has more uniformly mottled plumage.

Behaviour

Both species are nocturnal and ground-nesting, but the Eastern Whip-poor-will is known for its crepuscular foraging behavior, often active at dawn and dusk, and sometimes during moonlit nights.

Habitat

The Buff-collared Nightjar prefers dry thornscrub habitats, while the Eastern Whip-poor-will is typically found in large woodland territories.

Voice

The Buff-collared Nightjar has a bizarre, ascending metallic song, contrasting with the Eastern Whip-poor-will's distinctive and emphatic 'WHIP-poor-WILL' call.