Browse all birds

Common Pauraque Identification

Common Pauraque Adult male
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
Common Pauraque Adult
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
Common Pauraque Adult
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
Common Pauraque Adult
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
Common Pauraque Adult
Adult

During the day roosts on forest floor where it is nearly invisible.

© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryTexas, March 23, 2010
Common Pauraque Adult
Adult

Active at dawn and dusk, but can become motionless when spotlighted.

© Gregory Griffith | Macaulay LibraryTexas, December 01, 1994
See more images of this species in Macaulay Library

Compare with Similar Species

Click on an image to compare

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

Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow
Measurements
  • 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)

Lesser NighthawkLesser Nighthawk
Common NighthawkCommon Nighthawk
Common PauraqueCommon Pauraque
Common PoorwillCommon Poorwill
Chuck-will's-widowChuck-will's-widow
Eastern Whip-poor-willEastern Whip-poor-will

Browse Species in This Family

More to Read