Some of typical Texas members of this family were collected many years ago and are now part of the Perot Museum's study skins.

From left-to-right are Chuck-will's-widow (F), Chuck-will's-widow (M), Common Pauraque, Eastern Whip-poor-will, and Common Poorwill

The Common Poorwill on the far right averages only about 7.5. inches in length. The Eastern Whip-poor-will next to it on the left averages about 9.5 inches. The Chuck-will's-widow on the far left average about 12 inches depending on the sex.

Status and Distribution in North-central Texas - The Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis) is fairly common in migration and as a summer resident. It is generally more common in the eastern half of the study area. The Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) is only found in South Texas and is not part of the avifauna of North-central Texas. The Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) can sometimes be found migrating in the eastern half of North-central Texas but does not nest in the area. Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) is an uncommon migrant and summer resident throughout the area, but is more common west of Dallas County. Very rarely, a Common Poorwill is discovered in winter.

Chuck-will's-widow - Greg Page

Eastern Whip-poor-will - Sheridan Coffey

Common Poowill - Gil Eckrich