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Montgomery County, MD - Nighthawk vs Whip Poor Will (1 Viewer)

martinboer

Well-known member
Saw this bird in my backyard this morning in Chevy Chase, MD. It looks to me more like a Whip-poor-will but I realize that is a rare Fall sighting. Could it otherwise be a Common Nighthawk?

Many thanks for any feedback.

Best, Martin
 

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My best guess is a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. I don't seem to be seeing any nightjar qualities on this bird.

I guess you are right. Especially with the three white stripes. But I didn't see any red at all. It was also early in the morning - in broad daylight - and I haven't seen a woodpecker laying still like that before.

Birdmeister, are you pretty sure?
 
I guess you are right. Especially with the three white stripes. But I didn't see any red at all. It was also early in the morning - in broad daylight - and I haven't seen a woodpecker laying still like that before.

Birdmeister, are you pretty sure?

Immature Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have no red on the head.

I did note the interesting position the bird is in. Perhaps it was sunning?

Can't be completely sure, but coloration and shape both look good for YB Sapsucker.
 
Immature Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have no red on the head.

I did note the interesting position the bird is in. Perhaps it was sunning?

Can't be completely sure, but coloration and shape both look good for YB Sapsucker.

Can I ask you if Nighthawks or Whip Poor Wills are known to lie on the side of a tree like that? That's probably another tip-off. I can upload a clearer photo but the lines on the wings also look more like a YB Sapsucker.
 
Can I ask you if Nighthawks or Whip Poor Wills are known to lie on the side of a tree like that? That's probably another tip-off. I can upload a clearer photo but the lines on the wings also look more like a YB Sapsucker.

No, some Nightjar species will roost horizontally on a branch, not clinging to a tree trunk but during the day, most Nighthawks will be roosting on the ground I think.


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