Which birds sing at night? From the rhythmic call of the eastern whip-poor-will to the impressive mimicry of the northern mockingbird, discover the enchanting sounds of these nocturnal birds.
Have you ever heard bird songs that fill the night air?
We all know about the chirping birds that wake us up in the morning, and it’s not unusual to hear these birds chirping at night as well. However, under complete darkness, a whole new group of nocturnal birds takes over and sing their hearts out.
They each have their own unique, captivating sound, but if you want to hear them, you have to create the right environment by reducing both light pollution and noise pollution. It’s important to remember that many of these birds face challenges, such as losing their natural habitats.
So whether you’re planning a romantic outdoor date or setting up for backyard camping, here’s how to identify and enjoy the songs of these nocturnal birds.
1. Eastern Whip-poor-will
Latin name: Antrostomus vociferus
The eastern whip-poor-will is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly into its woodland habitat during the day. Its plumage pattern looks very similar to the leaf litter on the forest floor, making it incredibly difficult to spot during the day.
When twilight arrives, this medium-sized bird sings at night and into the early morning. Its rhythmic call, often likened to the phrase “whip-poor-will,” echoes through the forest.
Sadly, the eastern whip-poor-will is a species of conservation concern. Despite this, you might be fortunate enough to hear this evocative melody by turning off all the lights and quietly venturing into their preferred habitat of open woodlands and forest edges.
2. Chuck-will’s-widow
Latin name: Antrostomus carolinensis
Cousin to the eastern whip-poor-will, the chuck-will’s-widow is another bird that sings at night in the southern part of the United States. They can sing in wooded habitats and open fields, where they hunt insects under the moonlit sky. The bird’s wide mouth and specialized bristles on its bill help it to snatch prey from the air with remarkable precision.
Its name is derived from its distinctive call, a hauntingly beautiful sequence that repeats the phrase “chuck-will’s-widow” with a melodic lilt.
Your chances of hearing their enchanting song increase when it’s dark and quiet outside. Unfortunately, this species also faces conservation concerns.
3. Common Poorwill
Latin name: Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
The common poorwill is a bird that sings at night you can find all over the western regions of the United States. This petite bird is the only bird known to enter a state of torpor, a kind of hibernation, during colder periods.
When night falls, the common poorwill can be heard making a sweet, soft call that sounds like it’s saying “poor-will.” Its ethereal calls can often be heard across arid landscapes and rocky hillsides.
As of its last assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2020, the common poorwill is listed as being of the least concern. With the right conditions and a bit of patience, you may have the fortune of experiencing this nocturnal serenade firsthand.
4. Eastern Screech-Owl
Latin name: Megascops asio
The eastern screech-owl is a skilled hunter who prefers small mammals, insects and even other birds. To enhance their hunting success, they have evolved asymmetrical ears, which allow them to accurately pinpoint the source of sounds, even in complete darkness.
Perched among the trees of woodlands and suburban areas, the eastern screech-owl asserts its presence with multiple haunting vocalizations. Their songs vary, ranging from a low-pitched tremolo to a high-pitched piercing call, often described as a “whinny” or a “bouncing ball” sound, interspersed with eerie whistles.
Thankfully, this night bird is not endangered. By immersing yourself in the night, away from the bustle of human activity, you stand a good chance of hearing the melodies of this bewitching owl.
5. Northern Mockingbird
Latin name: Mimus polyglottos
The northern mockingbird is a renowned bird that sings at night and during the day. This bird possesses an astonishing vocal range, imitating the songs of countless other birds, as well as sounds like barking dogs, sirens and even musical instruments.
Its nocturnal performance may include a medley of chirps, trills and melodious phrases. With its adaptability to various habitats, the northern mockingbird is a resilient species found throughout much of the United States.
Read more:
- Water for Birds: Helping Refresh Our Feathered Friends
- 10 Birds That Eat Spiders and How to Attract Them
- 11 Eco-Friendly Outdoor Date Ideas
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