Introduction
The whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferous) is fairly common in local areas. It prefers dry open woodlands or early successional forests often adjacent to large openings or wetlands. Its population numbers are declining throughout its range. It is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in one or more states in BCR 14.
Habitat Needs
This bird prefers fairly dry open deciduous woodlands of pine, oak or beech, or the early successional types that occur on drier sites such as grey birch or aspen.
Its territory size ranges from 5 to 25 acres.
Habitat Management Practices
Prescribed fire in oak-pine or dry hardwood sites will produce the preferred conditions Space the treatment intervals far enough apart to allow for the development of the aspen or grey birch successional stage.
When assessing properties for habitat potential, look for excessively well-drained soils such as Hermon, Gloucester, or Success. Some shallow and moderately deep to bedrock soils with lower water holding and droughty nature, such as Cardigan, Chatfield, Kearsarge, Lyman and Tundbridge soils may have potential. There are others depending on the location in BCR 14.
Silvicultural Practices
Use standard treatments for oak-pine and dry northern hardwood (beech). The key is to apply prescribed fire afterwards, if at all possible.