Nature Journal:
- M+G
- Sep 28
- 2 min read
During a nightjar hike at George Pierce Park, we listened carefully in the fading light. At Arabia Mountain, the call of the Chuck-will’s-widow rose clearly in the dusk, echoing across the quiet landscape.
In Georgia, these birds are summer visitors, migrating south for the winter. The Chuck-will’s-widow is an uncommon bird, more often heard than seen. With feathers that blend perfectly into leaf litter, they remain nearly invisible during the day. At night, their voices carry farther than their presence, filling the air with a rhythm that sounds like a name being spoken.
Did you know:
Nightjar Family: Belongs to the nightjar family, birds known for nocturnal habits and excellent camouflage.
Namesake Call: Its “chuck-will’s-widow” call repeats after sunset and can echo across quiet landscapes.
Ground Nesters: They lay eggs directly on leaf litter, without building a nest.
Stealth Hunters: Feed on moths, beetles, and even small birds or bats, catching prey in flight.
Masters of Camouflage: During the day, they rest motionless on the ground, blending perfectly with fallen leaves.
Wildlife Garden Tips:
Chuck-will’s-widows are not common in small gardens, but if your space is near woodlands or rural areas, you may hear them. To support them and other nocturnal wildlife:
Avoid pesticides, which reduce the insect populations they rely on.
Plant native trees and shrubs to host the insects that form the base of their diet.
Limit night lighting, allowing nocturnal insects and birds to thrive.
Keep some leaf litter or natural cover, which supports insects and creates quiet spaces.
Add a small, shallow water source, helpful for many nighttime visitors.
Populations are declining in parts of their range, and the Chuck-will’s-widow is now listed as near threatened. Protecting habitat and reducing chemical use are small but meaningful ways to keep these mysterious night voices alive.
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