The Eastern Whip-poor-will: A Species at Risk in Ontario

The haunting call of the Eastern Whip-poor-will was a familiar sound to many in Ontario. Sadly, this sound is being erased from our landscape – this unique bird species is at risk in Ontario. As we reflect on the rich biodiversity of the Oak Ridges Moraine, it’s important to understand why the Eastern Whip-poor-will along with many other species are at risk, what is being done to help, and what you can do to ensure its survival.

Threats to the Eastern Whip-poor-will:

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: One of the primary threats to the Eastern Whip-poor-will is habitat loss and fragmentation. Urban sprawl and changes in farming practices have diminished the habitats these birds depend on, including open woodlands, meadows, and grasslands. The suppression of fire on the landscape is another contributing factor to this bird’s decline.

• Decline in Insect Populations: The Eastern Whip-poor-will relies heavily on a diverse insect population for its diet. The decline in insect numbers, attributed to pesticide use, as well as loss of native vegetation diversity, adversely affects the bird’s primary food source. This puts additional stress on the species, impacting its overall health and reproductive success. The global decline in insect numbers is a serious factor in many other species, as well as our own food production which depends heavily on crop-pollination by insects.

• Climate Change: The changing climate poses another significant threat to the Eastern Whip-poor-will. Altered weather patterns and temperature fluctuations can disrupt the bird’s migratory routes, breeding seasons and insect hatching times in the spring, a food source much needed during their migration and breeding. These changes make it challenging for the species to adapt and thrive.

• Road and Off-trail Mortality: The Eastern Whip-poor-will nests on the ground, and will occasionally roost on or near the ground as well sometimes near roads. This can cause direct mortality for the birds from cars, off-road vehicles, and off-trail pedestrians and dogs.

What is being done?

Efforts to protect the Eastern Whip-poor-will are underway in the province. Researchers and conservation organizations such as the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust and our partners are working collaboratively to monitor populations, protect and restore critical habitats, and implement strategies to mitigate the impact of habitat loss. Public awareness and engagement also play a pivotal role in the conservation of this species.

How You Can Help?

1. Promote Sustainable Practices: Advocate for sustainable land-use practices that prioritize the protection of natural habitats crucial for the Eastern Whip-poor-will’s survival. If you own property with suitable habitat for the Eastern Whip-poor-will, learn how you can protect your land and help restore or enhance it’s habitat.

2. Plant Native Plants to Support Beneficial Insect Populations: Every native plant planted can make a difference. If you see something eating the plant leaves, its ok, that’s part of the natural cycle for host plants, and they have evolved to manage insects eating parts of their plant, as they receive pollinator or seed dispersal services from those insects. Learn more about this very important topic from this webinar with best-selling author Doug Tallamy.

3. Educate and Raise Awareness: Spread awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the challenges faced by at-risk species. Education is a powerful tool in fostering a commitment to conservation.

4. Support Conservation Organizations: Contribute to and support organizations such as the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, who are actively involved in the conservation of bird species in Ontario.

The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust is a partner with the Ontario Kirtland’s Warbler Working Group – a group dedicated to restoring the lost habitat required by not only the Kirtland’s Warbler, but many other species at risk, including the Eastern Whip-poor-will. Learn more here.