Antrostomus vociferus

Formerly merged with Caprimulgus, but now treated as a separate genus on the basis of genetic data (Han et al. 2010) (AOU 2012).

Caprimulgus vociferus formerly included C. arizonae, but is now separated on the basis of differences in vocalizations (Hardy et al. 1988, Cink 2002) and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA (Han et al. 2010); the two species also differ in morphology (Phillips et al. 1964, Cink 2002) and egg pigmentation (Phillips et al. 1964) (AOU 2010).

Considered conspecific with C. noctitherus of Puerto Rico by some authors (AOU 1983) and constitutes a superspecies with it (AOU 1998).

Still relatively common overall, although rare in certain parts of its range.

BREEDING: south-central Saskatchewan east across southern Canada to Nova Scotia, south (east of Great Plains) to extreme northeastern Texas, Arkansas, northern Mississippi, north-central Alabama, South Carolina, east-central North Carolina, and Virginia (AOU 1998). NON-BREEDING: from northeastern Mexico, southern Texas, Gulf Coast, and east-central South Carolina south to Costa Rica, casually to southern California, western Panama, and Cuba (AOU 2010).

This species is represented by a large number of occurrences (subpopulations), with Partners in Flight (2013) estimating a global population of 2 million.

Declines have been reported from several areas; may be related to habitat fragmentation and loss and perhaps to increased nest predation (Ehrlich et al. 1992). PESTICIDES: the introduced Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar) infestations in many parts of the northeastern U.S. have prompted the use of pesticides (Bt and Dimilin) on large portions of oak forest. Bt has been reported to be toxic to more than 40 species of lepidopterans, resulting in possible restricted foraging opportunities for nightjars, especially as the Spongy Moth advances into the southeastern U.S. DEVELOPMENT: Typically fly low to the ground and forage in and along roads. Paving rural roads increases driving speeds and thereby increases the potential for auto strikes (T. O'Connell, pers. comm.). Development (especially "summer homes") along steep-sided mountain slopes will likely have a detrimental effect through loss of habitat. Restoration of healthy mountain riparian areas where steep sides occur certainly cannot hurt this species (C. Rustay, pers. comm.). GRAZING: Grazing could have a detrimental effect on this and other ground nesting species, as trampling and possible reduction of insect prey densities could occur, but no data is currently available to document this. Habitat loss is one of the main threats to the eastern whip-poor-will, largely due to the conversion of land for agriculture. Natural succession and changes in forest management practices have also led to a reduction in forest and woodland clearings [Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources - Eastern whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) (February, 2012) http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@species/documents/document/276687.pdf], while increasing urbanisation and development have reduced the amount of suitable breeding and feeding habitat for this bird [Cink, C.L. (2002) Eastern whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus). In: Poole, A. (Ed.) The Birds of North America Online. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca. Available at: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/620]