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    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 06, 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 20, 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
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    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

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