Buff-collared Nightjar vs Mexican Whip-poor-will

In short

The Buff-collared Nightjar and Mexican Whip-poor-will are both nocturnal birds from the Caprimulgidae family, but they can be distinguished by their vocalizations and subtle differences in plumage. The Buff-collared Nightjar is known for its distinctive buff collar and metallic song, while the Mexican Whip-poor-will has a more cryptic appearance and a different call.

Identification tips

• Look for the buff collar on the Buff-collared Nightjar.
• Listen for the metallic song of the Buff-collared Nightjar versus the whistled call of the Mexican Whip-poor-will.
• Consider habitat: Buff-collared Nightjar prefers dry thornscrub, while Mexican Whip-poor-will can be found in various wooded areas.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of nightjars, with no significant size difference to aid identification.

Plumage

The Buff-collared Nightjar has a notable buff-colored collar around its neck, which is absent in the Mexican Whip-poor-will. The Mexican Whip-poor-will tends to have a more uniform, cryptic plumage that blends well with its surroundings.

Behaviour

Both species are nocturnal and exhibit similar behaviors, such as feeding on insects during flight. Behavioral differences are subtle and not reliable for field identification.

Habitat

The Buff-collared Nightjar is often found in dry thornscrub habitats, while the Mexican Whip-poor-will occupies a broader range, including woodlands and forests. Overlapping ranges can make habitat a less reliable identifier.

Voice

The Buff-collared Nightjar has a distinctive, ascending metallic song, unlike the Mexican Whip-poor-will, which has a more repetitive, whistled call.