Whippoorwill

The sweet whistle of a small shy bird can calm even the most stressful of days. The Whippoorwill is a medium-sized (22–27 cm) bird from North and Central America. In New York state, there has been a 97% decline in the Whippoorwill population since 1983. Scientists are unsure of the cause for this but possibilities include habitat destruction, predation by feral cats and dogs, and poisoning by insecticides. Although it is under threat in New York, the species as a whole is not considered globally threatened due to its huge range of habitat. The Whippoorwill is subject to many legends. One New England legend says the Whip-poor-will can sense a soul departing, and can capture it as it flees.