Eastern Whip-poor-will  ( Engoulevent bois-pourri )     

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General Notes

On May 4, 2009 the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) recommended that this species be added to Canada’s list of species at risk with a status of Endangered owing to significant population declines and range contractions that could be due to wide-scale changes in its insect prey base, particularly on its wintering grounds. A familiar forest species across eastern North America, it joins the growing list of other aerial insectivores designated as at risk in Canada (Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Acadian Flycatcher). The declines are widespread, severe, and so far quite inexplicable.

In July of 2010, the Whip-poor-will was officially split into two species. The form breeding in the southwestern United States and Mexico is now known as the Mexican Whip-poor-will. Ours became officially known as the Eastern Whip-poor-will.

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Documented Observations