Common Pauraque Identification

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.

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.

Adult

Forages at dawn and dusk near clearings for insects. Rests on the ground and becomes "immobilized" in spotlights.

Adult

Throat patch, which is often very difficult to see, is buffy on females and white on males.

Adult

Adult

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

Adult

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