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Common Pauraque

Nyctidromus albicollis ORDER: CAPRIMULGIFORMES FAMILY: CAPRIMULGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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

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

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

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.

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    bird image Blue-winged Warbler by Brian Sullivan

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