14 Types Of NIGHT BIRDS In Florida (ID Guide With SOUNDS)

Did you recently come across a night bird in the state of Florida and find yourself wondering what species it was? 

Identifying nocturnal birds in the Sunshine State can be quite the adventure. The rich diversity of night birds in Florida makes the task both exciting and, at times, challenging. With the cover of darkness adding to the mystery, getting a good look at these elusive creatures can be tricky. 

But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll delve into the most common nocturnal birds of Florida and their distinctive sounds to help you unravel the nocturnal symphony you encountered. Some of these birds you’ll likely hear in other parts of the United States as well.

What are the types of night birds in Florida (and what are their sounds)?

There are 13 types of night birds found in Florida, each bringing its own unique charm and intrigue to the state’s nighttime ambiance. These nocturnal birds include well-known species like the Northern Mockingbird, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Barred Owl, and Screech Owl, among others. Each of these birds contributes to the rich tapestry of Florida’s nocturnal wildlife, and understanding their distinct behaviors and habitats can greatly enhance your birdwatching experience. 

If you’re curious about what noises these Florida birds make after the sun sets, you’re in for a treat. Nighttime in Florida is filled with different songs that each bird species use to communicate, find a mate, and establish their territory. For a deeper dive into these fascinating avian vocalizations, read on below. We’ll also cover their nighttime sounds, so you can match what you hear to the correct bird.

Northern Mockingbird

Scientific name: Mimus polyglottos

Sound of Northern Mockingbird:

The melodious whistling song of the Northern Mockingbird can be heard on moonlit nights in many parts of Florida. This impressive songster mimics the calls of other birds, making it a captivating part of the nighttime soundscape. It’s truly a testament to how rich and varied Florida’s avian life is, especially after dark. 

And while the Northern Mockingbird is active during the day, young males sing most actively during the middle of the night between midnight and 4 AM. This nocturnal singing is more than just noise; it’s an important part of their behavioral repertoire, helping young males establish territories and attract mates. 

The Northern Mockingbird is a common backyard bird and year-round Florida resident. If you have one of these songsters in your neighborhood, you’ll hear them every night. Their songs, often performed from high perches, can carry quite a distance, so it’s no surprise they make such an impact on the nighttime environment. 

This Florida bird is the only mockingbird species found in North America. It prefers wooded areas as well as suburban areas with sufficient tree growth, such as parks and golf courses. Their adaptability to different environments means you can encounter their evening serenades in both bustling city parks and quiet suburban backyards. 

Another fascinating aspect of the Northern Mockingbird is its extensive song repertoire, which can include up to 200 different phrases. This not only adds to the richness of Florida’s nocturnal symphony but also showcases the bird’s remarkable memory and vocal abilities. If you’re keen on identifying these night singers, pay attention to the variety in their calls; you might just discern the familiar sounds of other bird species, cleverly woven into the mockingbird’s performance. 

Yellow-breasted Chat

Scientific name: Icteria virens

Sound of Yellow-breasted Chat:

The Yellow-breasted Chat is another notable songbird that creates a delightful symphony at night. Much like the ever-popular Northern Mockingbird, these birds unleash their melodic chirps in the nocturnal hours of Florida primarily to attract mates and establish their presence. Unlike the more widespread mockingbirds, Yellow-breasted Chats are mainly encountered in the northernmost parts of Florida, gracing the region from May through August. 

Physically, the Yellow-breasted Chat is an intriguing sight. These birds are sized between a sparrow and a robin, featuring an olive-green plumage complemented by a bright yellow breast. Their gray faces are accentuated by distinct white eyebrow stripes, making them relatively easy to identify for those familiar with their appearance. Yellow-breasted Chats usually prefer dense areas, such as thickets, bramble bushes, shrubs, and regions along streams. 

The diet of Yellow-breasted Chats is quite diverse. They primarily feast on small insects, including moths, beetles, ants, and grasshoppers. These protein-rich meals are critical for their energy needs, especially during the breeding season. Additionally, they supplement their diet with various berries and fruits, which provide essential vitamins and nutrients.

Common Nighthawks

Scientific name: Chordeiles minor

Sound of Common Nighthawk:

The Common Nighthawk is another fascinating member of the nightjar family. This bird is distinguished by its dark brown plumage adorned with white comma-shaped markings on its wings. These enigmatic birds are best recognized during flight. The bright white bars on their wings are strikingly conspicuous, serving as a great identification feature even in low light conditions.

When you spot one at dusk or dawn, it often appears as a dark bird with bold white stripes accentuating its wings. As the day transitions to night, the activity of these dynamic birds peaks. Nighthawks are predominantly active during the crepuscular hours of dusk and dawn, making them particularly fascinating to observe during these serene times of the day. Should you happen to observe one under the dim light, the distinct white wing stripes stand out, making the identification process easier. 

During the summer, the Common Nighthawk is a regular breeding bird in Florida. Summers find Florida hosting these skilled aerial insectivores until they embark on their migratory journey to South America to escape the colder months. The Common Nighthawk isn’t picky when it comes to breeding habitats. It can thrive in a variety of open woodland settings, including urban areas, adding to its survival versatility. Their diet consists mainly of insects, which they adeptly catch during flight, displaying exceptional maneuverability and impressive hunting skills common to the nightjar family.

Chuck-will’s-widow

Scientific name: Antrostomus carolinensis

Chuck-will’s-widow call:

The Chuck-will’s-widow is the largest member of the nightjar family in North America and is found year-round in south Florida, as well as a summer visitor in northern Florida. This peculiar bird is named for its distinctive call which sounds like “chuck-will’s-widow,” a sound that resonates through the still Florida nights, capturing the essence of nocturnal wilderness. Most active around dusk and during the night, the Chuck-will’s-widow rests on a branch or on the ground during the day. Their mottled brown plumage provides perfect camouflage against the forest floor or amongst tree bark, making them incredibly hard to spot without keen eyes and a dose of luck. 

While it’s difficult to see these well-camouflaged birds, the best way to identify them is by their melodious 5-syllable call during the night. This call is not just a delight to hear for birdwatchers but also serves essential purposes in the bird’s life – from attracting a mate to defending its territory. Patience and familiarity with their calls are crucial for any nocturnal birding enthusiast hoping to encounter the Chuck-will’s-widow. They hunt flying insects, which they catch while flying low over the ground in the dark of the night. Their large mouths and tiny feet are perfectly adapted for this aerial hunting style, allowing them to scoop their prey from the air with impressive agility. 

For those who love the challenge of nocturnal birdwatching, seeking out the Chuck-will’s-widow can be an exhilarating experience. Equipped with a good pair of binoculars, a reliable field guide, and a patient ear for their unique calls, you can delve into the mysteries of the Florida night and perhaps catch a glimpse of this elusive nightjar.

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Scientific name: Antrostomus vociferus

Eastern Whip-poor-will sound:

The Eastern Whip-poor-will is a fascinating member of the nightjar family found in Florida. Although it doesn’t breed in the Sunshine State, it is a common winter visitor from October through April. These nocturnal birds are most active at dawn and dusk, making these times ideal for spotting them as they dart through the air in search of flying insects. 

One of the most distinctive features of the Eastern Whip-poor-will is its famous 3-syllable nocturnal song. However, during their winter stay in Florida, these birds are largely silent. This means that visual identification becomes more crucial for birdwatchers during these months. 

In the winter months, Eastern Whip-poor-wills are the only nightjars you will encounter in north Florida. Despite their silence, listening for their calls where possible and observing their aerial acrobatics can be an incredibly rewarding experience for nocturnal birdwatchers. So, remember to keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars handy.

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Scientific name: Nycticorax nycticorax

Black-crowned Night Heron sound:

The Black-crowned Night-Heron is true to its name, most active at dusk and during the night, when it forages for frogs and small fish in Florida wetlands. These herons are a common Florida bird and year-round residents of the state. However, they can be hard to spot during the day unless you find their daytime roosting spots. 

One of the great distinguishing features of the Black-crowned Night-Heron is its unique bird sounds. These sounds resemble barking or loud squawking, which the heron often utters at dusk as it flies out from its roost. This nocturnal vocalization sets the ambiance of Florida’s nighttime environment, offering a fascinating auditory experience for birdwatchers. 

Black-crowned Night-Herons are social birds that typically nest in colonies, often sharing the same nesting tree. Their communal nesting habits make them a captivating subject for observation during nocturnal birdwatching excursions in Florida’s wetland habitats. So, if you’re out at dusk, keep your ears open and look for groups of these intriguing birds.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Scientific name: Nyctanassa violacea

Yellow-crowned Night Heron sound:

The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron stands out with its distinct foraging habits. Unlike its Black-crowned relative, this bird can be seen hunting for food both day and night. They are quite versatile in their activity patterns, making them easier to spot during your birdwatching excursions. 

These majestic herons are most commonly found in coastal areas of Florida. Here, they skillfully forage for crayfish and crabs, showcasing their adaptability to different environments. Coastal foraging provides these birds with a rich diet, contributing to their survival and presence in the region. 

If you’re exploring northern Florida, you’ll mainly encounter the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron in the summer. However, they are a year-round delight in southern Florida, adding to the region’s diverse avian population. Whether you are visiting the north or south, these birds are a fascinating species to observe in their natural habitat.

Great Horned Owl

Scientific name: Bubo virginianus

Great Horned Owl call:

As you might have guessed, there are several species of Owls in Florida. With a wingspan up to 4 feet, the Great Horned Owl is the largest species of owls breeding in Florida. It is a large brown-colored bird with two ear tufts (also called horns) and large, round shaped yellow eyes that shine a striking yellow or bright amber, optimizing their vision for low-light conditions. In Florida, this owl starts its nesting very early in the year, laying its eggs in January or February. This owl is almost entirely nocturnal and can hunt in complete darkness by relying on its keen sense of hearing. 

The Great Horned Owl doesn’t build its own nest but instead occupies the nests of other large birds in Florida, such as herons or raptors. It is found year-round throughout Florida and can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from woodlands to urban areas. This owl is a fierce hunter, catching a variety of prey including birds up to the size of ducks. It also preys on mammals up to the size of squirrels, rabbits, and even young foxes. 

These incredible predators showcase unique adaptations for nocturnal hunting. The Great Horned Owl’s ability to hunt silently and efficiently plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Observing this magnificent bird in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, whether you are an avid birdwatcher or a curious beginner. 

The mating season for the Great Horned Owl is an extraordinary time of year. During this period, which typically occurs from January to February, you’ll witness increased vocal activity as males and females engage in hooting duets to strengthen their pair bonds. Nesting soon follows, with nests often reused from previous occupants such as hawks or squirrels. Watching these owls during mating season offers an unparalleled glimpse into their fascinating behavioral patterns and commitment to their mates.

Barn Owl

Scientific name: Tyto alba

Barn Owl sound:

A favorite owl by many and somewhat softer and less intense-looking than the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owls are characterized by their white coat of feathers, and their “friendlier” appearance. Armed with exceptional night vision, Barn Owls are strictly nocturnal raptors and therefore hard to spot. However, they can be readily identified by their characteristic screeching call that sounds like someone getting strangled. 

And if you do spot one flying overhead by the light of the moon, you may be able to see the glow of their white underside. These owls are present in Florida all year round, and favor open areas and farmland as their hunting grounds. With their unique adaptations, they silently swoop down on their prey, thanks to the comb-like structures on their feathers that enable silent flight. 

Barn Owls not only have excellent low-light vision but also possess a dish-shaped face that enhances their hearing and large eyes that aid in night hunting. Their diet is varied, including insects, rodents, and even birds. Next time you’re out in the open fields of Florida at night, keep an ear out for their distinctive screech— you just might be lucky enough to witness one of these fascinating birds.

Burrowing Owl

Scientific name: Athene cunicularia

Burrowing Owl sound:

The Burrowing Owl is a scarce resident of open areas in Florida, often observed as pairs of owls diligently digging their own burrows. These burrows provide not only shelter but also a vantage point for scanning their environment. Interestingly, the Burrowing Owl doesn’t shy away from taking over burrows from prairie dogs or ground squirrels, making use of the existing infrastructure in their habitat. 

Unlike many owl species that are strictly nocturnal, the Burrowing Owl is active both day and night. This unique diurnal behavior makes it a fascinating bird to observe any time you venture into its open prairie habitats. They are adept hunters, primarily preying on insects and small rodents that scurry through their expansive territories. 

Given their small size, these owls can be remarkably elusive, blending seamlessly into the vast stretches of open prairies. However, your best chance of spotting a Burrowing Owl is to look for them perched on a small mound or elevated ground. From these vantage points, they meticulously scan their surroundings, ever watchful for potential prey or predators. 

Seeing Burrowing Owls in pairs is not uncommon, adding to the charm of observing these birds. Their cooperative interaction and mutual vigilance provide an engaging spectacle for bird enthusiasts. Whether they are preening each other, standing sentinel on a mound, or executing their intricate hunting maneuvers, the Burrowing Owl’s behaviors are a testament to their adaptability and resilience in the Florida wilds.

Northern Saw-whet Owl

scientific name: Aegolius acadicus

Northern Saw-whet Owl Sound:

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a fascinating nocturnal bird that’s often heard before it is seen. These petite owls are experts at blending into their surroundings during the day, making them quite elusive. As the sun sets, however, they come to life, beginning their nightly activities of hunting and communicating. 

One of the most distinctive features of the Northern Saw-whet Owl is its unique call. Their name actually comes from one of their sounds, which resembles the whetting of a saw. You might hear them producing a repetitive, high-pitched “too-too-too” sound, especially during the breeding season when they are most vocal. These calls can be heard echoing through forests on still nights. 

These owls primarily hunt small mammals, especially mice, making the cover of night their ally. Their nocturnal habits, combined with excellent hearing and silent flight, make them formidable hunters. If you decide to venture out into Florida’s woodlands at night, listen carefully—you might just hear the enchanting calls of the Northern Saw-whet Owl.

Short-eared Owl

Scientific name: Asio flammeus

Short-eared Owl call:

The Short-eared Owl is a highly migratory owl species, and while it doesn’t breed in Florida, it is regularly observed in the state outside of the breeding season. Known for their striking adult plumage, these owls exhibit a blend of tawny and brown feathers adorned with dark streaks. This unique appearance helps them blend into their preferred habitats, making them a fascinating species to observe in the wild. 

Short-eared Owls are more often observed hunting in daylight than other owl species. Their diurnal activity provides a unique opportunity for birdwatchers to spot them during the day. Together with their hunting tactic of flying low over the ground in open areas, this makes these owls relatively easy to spot compared to their nocturnal counterparts. 

You can encounter these owls in Florida in any kind of open landscapes, including farmland, airports, and fallow land. Their preference for wide-open spaces makes them a regular sight for those familiar with such terrains. When watching these owls, their adult plumage can be a helpful identifier amidst the vast expanses they roam.

Eastern Screech-Owl

Scientific name: Megascops kennicottii

Eastern Screech Owl sound:

Originally birds of open woodlands, Eastern Screech-Owls have adapted very well to urban habitats. You can find them regularly in parks, large gardens, and golf courses. Their adaptable nature makes them a common sight in many parts of Florida. 

Eastern Screech-Owls breed in tree cavities, making them best identified by their characteristic series of accelerating hoots. These owls are seen across the state all year round, signaling their presence with eerie trills that pierce through the night. 

With a varied diet that includes worms, insects, and rodents, these owls play a crucial role in maintaining Florida’s ecosystem. They readily accept artificial nesting cavities, so you can even attract them to your backyard by setting up nest boxes.

Barred Owl

Scientific name: Strix varia

Barred Owl sound:

(Recording source: Jim Berry, XC713081, www.xeno-canto.org/713081)

The Barred Owl was originally a bird of eastern North America, but it steadily expanded its range westwards over the past century. This Florida bird of prey can be encountered throughout the state anywhere there are suitable habitats. Their preferred habitat is mature forests bordering swamps, where they readily accept nest boxes set up in old trees. 

Similar to other owls, the Barred Owl is easiest to find by listening for its characteristic hooting call at night. These calls, often described as ‘Who cooks for you?’, make it easier to locate them amidst Florida’s dense vegetation. Interestingly, the shape of their eyes aids in their night vision, allowing them to hunt efficiently in the dark. 

Barred Owls are known for their fierce defense of the family nest, especially during the breeding season. They play a crucial role in Florida’s ecosystem by maintaining balance, as they control populations of small rodents and insects. Spotting one during a nighttime birdwatching adventure adds an element of excitement, making every moment in the wild a memorable experience.

What birds sing at night in Florida?

When wandering through Florida nights, it’s common to be serenaded by Northern Mockingbirds, the state bird of the Sunshine State. 

These nighttime crooners are often young male mockingbirds, serenading potential mates. Their nocturnal melodies can be heard throughout most of the year, with the exception of the fall. 

But it’s not just mockingbirds that fill the night air with song. You’ll also hear the distinctive calls of nightjars and owls, such as the Eastern Whip-poor-will and the enchanting Barred Owl. For more on these common Florida night birds, check out this resource. 

Additionally, if you’re in the northernmost parts of Florida, listen for the melodious tunes of Yellow-breasted Chats. While less common, these birds do add their voice to Florida’s nighttime symphony.

Conclusion

In summary, here are the 14 most common nocturnal birds found in Florida: 

• Northern Mockingbird
• Yellow-breasted Chat
• Common Nighthawk
• Chuck-will’s-widow
• Eastern Whip-poor-will
• Black-crowned Night-heron
• Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
• Great Horned Owl
• Barn Owl
• Burrowing Owl
• Short-eared Owl
• Eastern Screech-Owl
• Barred Owl
• Northern Saw-whet Owl

While this is a diverse list of bird species (including nightjars, songbirds, owls, and herons), they all have in common that they are either entirely or partially active at night.  Many of these night birds are found all year in Florida, but some of them only occur in the state only during the breeding season in summer, or as winter visitors. 

The varied habitats of Florida are home to more than 500 different species of birds, and nighttime birds make up a significant proportion of this rich avifauna. Ranging from whippoorwills to nighthawks and owls, these night birds play a vital role in the ecology of their habitats. 

Florida’s night birds are more than silent flyers; they compose the enchanting sounds of Florida’s nights. Whether you’re captivated by the echoing call of the Common Nighthawk or the haunting hoot of the Great Horned Owl, these nocturnal creatures paint a vivid auditory landscape.

Each species may bring its own unique set of behaviors and calls, but collectively, they play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. By exploring their world, you contribute to the ongoing efforts to understand and protect these fascinating birds.

If this glimpse into Florida’s nighttime avifauna piqued your interest, don’t miss our comprehensive guide to the black birds of Florida to learn even more about the rich birdlife this state has to offer.