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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Common Pauraque

Nyctidromus albicollis ORDER: CAPRIMULGIFORMES FAMILY: CAPRIMULGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A widespread nightjar throughout the American tropics, the Common Paraque reaches the United States only in very southern Texas.

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Appearance

Owl-like
Owl-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized to large nocturnal bird.
  • Large-headed with a tiny bill. Tiny feet (rarely seen).
  • Very well camouflaged, colored in browns, black, and gray.
  • In flight, long, rounded wings with light bar near tip.
  • Long, rounded tail.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but plumage generally more blurred.

Range Map Help

Common Pauraque Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Common Pauraque

    Adult
    • © Greg W.Lasley / CLO

Similar Species

  • Told from other nightjars by long tail, triangular black spots on back, and pale bar across wingtip.
  • Nighthawks have white bars in wings, but have pointed wings and slimmer bodies.