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Common Pauraque

Nyctidromus albicollis ORDER: CAPRIMULGIFORMES FAMILY: CAPRIMULGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Common Pauraque Photo

© Greg W.Lasley / CLO

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

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

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
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

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.