Locally common breeding species in appropriate habitat on the coastal plain, especially the lower Eastern Shore. Records away from the coastal plain are uncommon. Western Maryland records are very rare.
In season, listen for their distinctive namesake calls in mixed woodlands on the Eastern Shore at night, when they are defending territories and hunting aerial insects. They are widespread on the lower Eastern Shore, but some popular locations to try include Assateague Island and Elliott Island Road.
As North America's largest nightjar, their list of prey species is known to include small birds such as warblers and vireos!
There are 119 records in the project database.
Chuck-will's-widow in St. Mary's Co., Maryland (5/25/2022). (c) Fiona Tillett, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). - Fiona Tillett via iNaturalist.
Chuck-will's-widow in St. Mary's Co., Maryland (6/7/2021). (c) Alina Martin, some rights reserved (CC BY). - Alina Martin via iNaturalist.
Chuck-will's-widow in Worcester Co., Maryland (5/26/2021). (c) Bill stitt, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). - Bill stitt via iNaturalist.
Chuck-will's-widow in Dorchester Co., Maryland (5/7/2018). - Jim Brighton.
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