The common poorwill is a nocturnal bird of the family Caprimulgidae, the nightjars. It is found from British Columbia and southeastern Alberta, through the western United States to northern Mexico. The bird's habitat is dry, open areas with grasses or shrubs, and even stony desert slopes with very little vegetation. The male’s song during the breeding season is a repeated, whistled poorwillip. This gives the species its name, as the final syllable is difficult to hear at any distance. Birds that have been disturbed give growling, barking, and hissing calls. Birds that have been flushed sometimes clap the wingtips together. Here’s a link so you can listen to poor will too.