Ontario Whip-poor-will Project

Eastern Whip-poor-will populations in Ontario and elsewhere have declined over the past 25 years. Consequently, this species is now designated as a Threatened species in Canada and Ontario. The causes of the population decline are unknown but changes in habitat and food supply are considered major factors. Many other birds that feed on flying insects are also in decline in this region. Increased mortality due to vehicle collisions and nest predation by feral cats and racoons is also of concern for whip-poor-wills. See the Whip-poor-will Fact Sheet and COSEWIC report in the Resources menu (left sidebar) for more information.

The Ontario Whip-poor-will Project was launched in 2010 as a five-year project that will engage volunteers in various surveys to investigate where whip-poor-wills occur in Ontario. The results of these surveys will be used to help direct the research needed to answer the larger question of what is happening to Ontario’s Eastern Whip-poor-will populations.

Volunteers can help by:

1. Reporting Whip-poor-will Observations: See the Casual Observation Reporting Form in the Resources menu (left sidebar) for reporting options.
2. Doing a Whip-poor-will Roadside Survey on a moonlit night in June: See the Roadside Survey Guide in the Resources menu (left sidebar) for details

For more information on volunteer opportunities contact:

Kathy Jones, Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@birdscanada.org, 1-888-448-2473 x 124

For more information on the Ontario Whip-poor-will Project contact:

Audrey Heagy, Project Coordinator, aheagy@birdscanada.org, 1-888-448-2473 x 166