What does the Eastern Whip-poor-will eat?

The Eastern Whip-poor-will's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Insectivore

How it forages

Strictly insectivorous, primarily feeding on large nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, and mosquitoes. They forage by sallying from a perch or by continuous flight, catching insects in their wide mouths. They are opportunistic feeders, often concentrating their efforts in areas with high insect activity, such as near water bodies or lights.

When it feeds

Strictly nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn). They spend the day camouflaged on the forest floor or perched horizontally on tree branches.

Explore the Eastern Whip-poor-will