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Common Pauraque Identification
Common Pauraque Photos and Videos
Adult male
Long-tailed nightjar. Male's outer tail feathers are white. They are reduced on females, but noticeable in flight. Wings also have a white band that is visible in flight.
© Paul Tavares | Macaulay LibraryCayo, March 05, 2015
Adult
Well-camouflaged, brown and gray nightjar. Feathers on the shoulder have buffy tips. Individuals in Texas and lower Rio Grande Valley are grayer than others.
© Chris Wood | Macaulay LibraryTexas, December 29, 2015
Adult
Forages at dawn and dusk near clearings for insects. Rests on the ground and becomes "immobilized" in spotlights.
© Gregory Griffith | Macaulay LibraryTexas, January 01, 1994
Adult
Throat patch, which is often very difficult to see, is buffy on females and white on males.
© Zak Pohlen | Macaulay LibraryPichincha, February 19, 2016
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.Relative Size
between robin and crowMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 11.0-11.8 in (28-30 cm)
- Weight: 1.9 oz (53 g)
Species in This Family
Nightjars and Allies(Order: Caprimulgiformes, Family:Caprimulgidae)
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