Caprimulgus Species, Bell County, Texas (1 Viewer)

[TorchBCT]

This Nightjar was on the steps leading up to my apartment, in a downtown residential area this morning. I believe it is a Whip-poor-will, but I have never seen anything to compare it to. When the bird flew, it had white edges on its tail, no white wing bars, and was generally rusty/brown on the wings. I was running late for class, and did not have time to grab my camera, so I apologize in advance for the picture quality, as its from a cameraphone in very low light.

 

[Motmot]

You're right with Whip-poor-will. Your description plus broad median crown stripe plus pale grey braces clinch it.
Cheers,
Eduardo

Edit: compare with this one:

http://sdakotabirds.com/species/whippoorwill_info.htm

 

[TorchBCT]

Thanks for the response Motmot, I'd only ever seen the Common Nighthawk around here, and this surprised me this morning. Guess sometimes birds are literally right under your nose.