Common poorwills range throughout western North America from south central British Columbia and southwestern Saskatchewan to central Mexico. Northern populations migrate to the southern portions of their range, from California, Arizona, and Texas to central Mexico, from September to November and return April to May. This migration may vary by a month depending upon weather conditions and the portion of the breeding range occupied. Southern populations arrive for breeding season from February to March and leave October to November for their winter range. Some southern populations occupy the same region year round but migrate to higher elevations for the breeding season and to lower elevations during the winter.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )